Who is Mwai Kibaki? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Emilio Stanley

Age: 93 Years, 93 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Lucy Kibaki

father: Kibaki Gĩthĩnji

mother: Teresia Wanjikũ

children: David Kibaki, Jimmy Kibaki, Judy Kibaki, Tony Kibaki, Winnie Wangui Mwa

Presidents Makerere University

Founder/Co-Founder: National Rainbow Coalition, Party of National Unity, Democratic Party

More Facts

education: London School of Economics and Political Science, Makerere University, Mang'u High School

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Childhood & Early Life

Born on November 15, 1931, Mwai Kibaki was the youngest of eight children of peasant farmers, Kibaki Githinji and Teresia Wanjiku. Belonging to the Kikuyu tribe, which is the largest tribal group in Kenya, they lived in a village called Gatuyaini in Nyeri County.

He showed remarkable intelligence and aptitude for learning during his primary school years and was sent to attend Man'gu High School, one of Kenya's best high schools. Kibaki studied there between 1947 and 1950.

Outstanding academic achievement earned him a scholarship to Kenya's renowned Makerere University, where he studied economics, political science, and history. His leadership skills came to the fore as chairman of the Kenya Students Association, a leading position in the Makerere Students Guild, and he graduated with distinction in 1955.

After a brief stint as Uganda Shell Company's assistant general manager, Mwai Kibaki received a scholarship to study at the London School of Economics. Excelling in economics and public finance, he was poised to apply his efforts and knowledge to his home country upon his return in 1958.

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Career

Mwai Kibaki accepted a position as Assistant Lecturer in economics at Makerere University. In 1960, he resigned from this position to join the KANU (Kenyan African National Union), the dominant political party in Kenya at that time.

Sweeping changes in the next few years, leading to Kenya's independence from Britain three years later, took him firmly into the world of politics.

In 1963, he was elected to the Kenyan Parliament and continued to serve in various roles until he was appointed Minister of Finance and Economic Planning by President Jomo Kenyatta, in 1969.

Gaining valuable experience and establishing a good reputation and record for himself during these early years in politics and government, Mwai Kibaki was appointed Vice-President under Daniel arap Moi in 1978, when he rose to the presidency upon the death of Kenyatta.

In Moi’s cabinet, Kibaki was initially entrusted with the Finance portfolio. As minister of Finance, he introduced measures and changes that brought a degree of prosperity to Kenya. In 1982, he was given the portfolio of Home Affairs.

Moi's style of government became increasingly autocratic and he amended the constitution to make KANU the only legitimate political party. Assuming all the power, Moi removed Kibaki from Vice Presidency and demoted him to the Ministry of Health in 1988.

Disputes and disagreements with the President eventually led to Kibaki's resignation from KANU in 1991. During this time, civil unrest was increasing among people, and fierce opposition to Moi's oppressive policies forced a repeal of the constitutional act that had installed a one-party rule for KANU. Kibaki immediately resigned to form the ‘Democratic Party’.

Moi's grip on power, however, remained strong, even as the country was rising against his despotic and repressive regime. He used ethnically divisive and violent tactics to remain in power through the next two elections. With this upheaval in the background and several different ethnic groups seeking representation, Kibaki formed the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC).

In 2002, Kibaki became president, after NARC gained momentum and several politicians defected from KANU, and Kenya was restless for change and freedom from Moi. His victory was accompanied by jubilation and high hopes for a better future for Kenya.

Significant economic changes were implemented by him during his first term as president, however, the endemic corruption that Kibaki had promised to fight during his election campaign remained rampant. By the second term, which he won in the elections of 2007, charges of rigging and widespread fraud at the ballot box and other scandals involving his coalition had tarnished his image.

After the 2013 presidential elections, he handed over the presidency to Uhuru Kenyatta.

Major Works

Constitutional reform of 2010 is one of Kibaki's most significant contributions to Kenyan democracy. The new constitution allows for substantial institutional checks and ensures basic rights.

He introduced free primary education for all children in Kenya in 2003 and revitalized the healthcare system that had previously fallen into disarray. He strove for economic changes with the intention of reviving and strengthening Kenya's derailed economy. His policy changes encouraged multinational companies to invest in Kenya, fostering growth and development for Kenyans.

Life expectancy and infant mortality figures improved considerably during the years from 2002 - 2012 owing to his efforts in delivering better healthcare to the citizens of Kenya.

Personal Life & Legacy

Mwai Kibaki married Lucy Mothoni in 1962 and has four children: one daughter, Judy, and three sons, Jimmy, Tony and David.

During his presidential election campaign in 2002, Kibaki was injured in a car crash, causing him to appear in a wheelchair during the inauguration as president.

While he has denied allegations of a second marriage there have been questions raised about his relations with Mary Wambui—a Kenyan businesswoman with political leanings, with whom he is alleged to have a daughter, Wangui Mwai.

Mwai Kibaki Biography