Kenya has held a state funeral for its third president, Mwai Kibaki, who died last week at the age of 90. With officials hailing Kibaki for transforming Kenya’s economy and education.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta led other African leaders and tens of thousands of Kenyans in paying last respects to Kibaki who had led the East African nation between 2002 and 2013, when he stepped down after two terms.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the leaders who attended the prayer service at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi.
Kenya’s third president is praised for transforming the country’s infrastructure, agriculture and education sector. His election in 2002 brought an end to four decades of one-party rule.
The East African nation recorded its highest economic growth at 7% per year during his tenure in office.
Many Kenyans also remember Kibaki for his role in the 2007 and 2008 political violence. His disputed election win against opposition leader Raila Odinga, who accused him of rigging the vote, led to street protests and inter-communal clashes that claimed the lives of more than 1,100 people.
At the funeral, Odinga spoke about meeting with Kibaki after the violence and how the two agreed to work together. The truce led to the formation of a unity government, with Odinga becoming prime minister.
Kibaki will be buried on Saturday at his rural home in central Kenya.
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