NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 29 – President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday led visiting Heads of State Salva Kiir, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde in paying their last respects to his predecessor Mwai Kibaki.
This is after Kibaki’s body was taken round Nyayo National Stadium to allow Kenyans offer their last respects.
The body was then offloaded from the gun carriage, placed in position and casket opened for viewing by President Kenyatta and other dignitaries.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir who was the only head of state in the East African Community present was first on the queue to offer his last respects.
Then followed Ramaphosa, Zewde and Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente.
Zimbabwe Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, his Tanzanian counterpart Philip Mpango and Uganda’s Jessica Alupo also gave their last respects.
One by the other they were escorted by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau to the podium.
The dignitaries were received by the President Kenyatta at the tent where they exchanged greetings and proceeded to offer a bow to the late Kibaki.
The Holy Mass of the State funeral service which will be officiated by the Catholic Church has already commenced.
The liturgical event was presided by Archbishop Phillip Anyolo the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
