Kibaki urges support for Uhuru, Cabinet

PHOTO | STEPHEN MUDIARI Mr Kibaki addresses the faithful during the enthroning of the Most Reverend Amos Kabuthu as the Archbishop of African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Nairobi on June 23, 2013.

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kibaki’s appeal comes at a time when the country is dogged with multiple strikes from teachers to nurses
  • The call for “help and support” also comes at a time when the Jubilee administration is facing a major international snub by US President Barack Obama

Former President Mwai Kibaki bade the nation farewell with an appeal to politicians and Kenyans to support his godson, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, in building the country.

Mr Kibaki on Sunday returned to Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani for the inauguration of an archbishop, and told the congregation that he had come specifically to “say goodbye”.

“I have a cold. I am still convalescing. I came to say goodbye and I also came because I knew it will be good to see you again,” said Mr Kibaki, who has kept a low profile since April 9 when he handed the leadership baton to Mr Kenyatta.

“I have done my part. What is left is for you to do. I know you will do a good job,” he added.

The former president said the new government needed a little bit of “help and support” to steer the country forward.

Mr Kibaki’s appeal for Mr Kenyatta comes at a time when the country is dogged with multiple strikes from teachers to nurses, all of which are causing Mr Kenyatta’s administration sleepless nights.

There is also the siege from Somalia-based terror group Al-Shabaab, which has been attacking with abandon; the inter-clan fighting that has resurfaced in North Eastern and the country’s runaway insecurity.

“This man Uhuru Kenyatta has plenty of experience and he knows what he is doing. He is a hard-working man. Let’s pull together and help him move this country forward. He needs help. Everyone should come out and help him. That is the only way we will succeed,” said Mr Kibaki.

The call for “help and support” also comes at a time when the Jubilee administration is facing a major international snub by US President Barack Obama who is set to tour East Africa this week.

US officials have said that Mr Obama will skip Kenya because of crimes against humanity cases facing President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto at the ICC.

The retired leader also had a jibe to all those who were defeated in the last elections— the competition “was over”.

Mr Kenyatta said he was ready to build bridges with all politicians and called on religious leaders to ensure the country stayed united as it fights to realise goals set out in Vision 2030.