The government has declared Friday, April 29, a national holiday following the death of former President, Mwai Kibaki.

This was announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, who is the chair of the National Funeral Steering Committee. In his statement, Matiang'i stated that the day will be used to pay last respect to the country's Third President.

"The Government declares Friday the 29th of April 2022 a National Holiday to accord the late President a befitting State Funeral vide a Kenya Gazette," the statement dated Saturday, April 23, read in part.

A file image of the late President Mwai Kibaki.

FILE

On the said day, a state funeral service for Kibaki will be held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where he will be accorded full Military Honours and Protocols.

"The State Funeral for the Third (3rd) President shall take place on Friday, April 29, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi County with full Military Honours and Protocols," Matiang'i added. 

After the state funeral, Kibaki will be laid to rest at the Othaya family home at a private ceremony on Saturday, April 30. This will come after public prayers at Othaya Stadium on the same day.

The burial ceremony will be attended by close family members who will conduct the exercise in accordance with his last wishes and family tradition.

His death was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, April 22, describing him as a statesman who inspired the country to various levels of achievements.

According to his family, Kibaki maintained a private life away from the media and political hype. He, however, battled a number of illnesses before he passed away.

"For the last six months, he spend most of his time with his family. Obviously, at his age, the vulnerabilities were much more and we understood that he doesn't require a lot of interaction

"We all provided that protection because when he saw people, he was eager to meet them. He spent most of his time in Muthaiga keeping up with his appointments with the doctors. He has rested a happy man," one of his family members stated.

An image of the late President Mwai Kibaki at a past event. FILE