Mwai Kibaki's most memorable quotes

The late former president Mwai Kibaki has been mourned by many people, as a man of many things; a gentleman, an astute politician, a dotting father and grandfather.

What few of them have said is that he was also a very profound man, who would dish the occasional nuggets of wisdom in his speeches.

Below are some of Kibaki’s most memorable quotes, compiled over his years of national services:

"Makerere is where my academic and intellectual foundation were laid. Many of my leadership skills were developed and nurtured here.” - Kibaki January 2012; as he received a Doctor of Laws (Honoris causa) degree from his alma mater. 

"Mr Speaker Sir, I believe that we ought to bring back this debate to where it ought to have continued all along if it were not for some of the members of opposition who, as usual, draw us away from the positive purpose of this Bill into their fears and suspicions and conjectures and worries, and every other hypothetical thing that happens to be in their mind right now.” - Kibaki contributing to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, October 1964, to make Kenya a unitary state by abolishing majimbo. 

"You do not have to blacken the other fellow in order for you to shine. You can shine very brilliantly and the other guy can also shine very brilliantly. This business of being jealous and envious is ridiculous. It is a mark of smallness of mind and spirit. It is only people of very small minds and spirits who think that they can only shine if the other fellow is totally blackened.” - Kibaki complaining of Charles Njonjo’s brand of politics, September 1982. 

"Education is now the most important factor of production. No one, no country can be competitive without massive investment in education. We must therefore ensure all our children have access to quality education. This is the only way of giving them a fair chance in life in today’s world. But it should not just be education. We must look at the particular bodies of knowledge and skills that are driving economies around the world and that will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Let us focus on these areas and others that are relevant to the needs of our country and the world market.” - Mwai Kibaki.

"We should not try to deceive our people that socialism will bring things from Heaven easily. Every single person in this country must be prepared to sacrifice. I mean sacrifice in the sense that we must be prepared to work hard and to save and invest. If we are not prepared to do it voluntarily, this paper has declared that this State is entitled to enforce people to work, to enforce savings, to enforce people and even Members of Parliament to pull their weight.” - Mwai Kibaki on the Sessional Paper No 10 

"I am inheriting a country which has been badly ravaged by years of misrule and ineptitude. There has been a wide disconnect between the people and the Government, between people’s aspirants and the Government’s attitude toward them... We want to bring back the culture of due process, accountability and transparency in public office. The era of “anything goes” is gone forever. Government will no longer be run on the whims of individuals. The era of roadside policy declarations is gone. My Government’s decisions will be guided by teamwork and consultations.” - Mwai Kibaki.

"The long campaigns period became extremely divisive and balkanizing. One of my wishes is that Kenya can actually legislate on how long campaign periods should be and proper mechanisms be put in place to deal with those who flout this.” - Mwai Kibaki reflecting back on the opposition to his Government. 

"Kenyans will always prefer peace over conflict, prosperity over desolation, unity over discord and justice over injustice. That is why on February 28, 2008, I and Hon Raila Odinga signed the National accord because our people had spoken clearly that they wanted one Kenya - in which all lived in peace, justice and harmony." - President Kibaki. 

"The youth are the backbone of our nation. This is why I am personally committed to their empowerment... I know that in any country no effective development can take place without the participation of the youth. I am therefore keen to see our young people play their role in our national endeavors of building our country into a vibrant and dynamic working and caring nation.” - President Kibaki speaking 
at the St. John ambulance annual parade and inspection at KICC on 25th June, 2006 

"The Constitution I promulgated in August 2010 is the boldest step the Kenyan people have taken towards changing their lives. This constitution, which Kenyans sought fruitlessly
for more than two decades, effected fundamental changes in the way in which the country shall be governed." - President Kibaki. 

"In order to preserve the memories of their deeds for posterity, we have identified, demarcated, and registered the Heroes Square at the Uhuru Gardens’ grounds. The Heroes Square will honor our past, present and future heroes and heroines.” - President Kibaki.