Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki , has died in a London hospital of an undisclosed illness at Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London where she had been taken to receive specialised treatment.
She gained notoriety for slapping a cameraman in 2005 when she stormed the offices of a private media group in anger at the way a story about her had been reported.
The shocking news of Ms Kibaki's death was announced by the Office of the President on Tuesday.
The wife of former President Mwai Kibaki had been flown out of the country to receive further treatment after ailing for a long period.
“Her excellency has been unwell for the last one month and has been receiving treatment here in Kenya and subsequently in the United Kingdom,” the statement signed by the President stated.
President Kenyatta acknowledged Ms Kibaki's immense contribution towards the development of the country stating: "Notable was Her Excellency’s virtues of leadership and commitment to improving well being of Kenyans, in particular her focus on tackling HIV/Aids, which will remain an inspiration to many,” he said.
Ms Kibaki, who had been missing in the public eye for over five years, was on March 11 rushed to Gertrude’s Hospital at 5am and later transferred to Nairobi Hospital, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Details of her ailment have remained a subject of speculation but during her last admission at the hospital, Kibaki’s Press Secretary Mr Ngare Gituku indicated: "She is responding well to treatment and the doctors want to conduct a series of tests to ascertain that there is absolutely no issue that would crop up at any given time”.
Ms Kibaki who was born in 1940 is survived with by her husband Mwai Kibaki and four children Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagai, and Tony Githinji.
Mama Lucy was known to be a no nonsense woman especially when it came to issues affecting her family.
She will remembered for her initiatives in the health sector which included: Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and strong fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ms Kibaki was eulogized by politicians from across the country as a strong woman who boldly aired her views.
No comments:
Post a Comment