Raila recounts how he was 'hit hard' for the ‘Kibaki tosha’ phrase

Speaking on Saturday, during Kibaki's funeral mass in Othaya, Raila remembered how negotiations with him, Kibaki, Narc party's Charity Ngilu and (former Vice President) Michael Kijana Wamalwa to agree on one candidate in 2002 took too long and a crowd had already gathered at Uhuru Park.

He said there had been failed attempts to come together in 1992 and 1997 and he was not going to let it happen again in 2002.

While at Uhuru Park, Raila said, “I asked the wananchi: Si Mzee Kibaki tosha? And the crowd roared back, Mzee Kibaki anatosha.”

Raila said Kibaki had the knowledge and experience to guide the transition from former President Daniel Moi’s regime.

However, after making the 'Kibaki tosha' statement, the Azimio leader said he was 'hit hard' for the phrase and he and his wife, Ida Odinga, received many phone calls, from people telling them he had “messed up” by declaring that Kibaki should be the presidential flag-bearer. 

Raila went on to talk about the ‘infamous’ MoU signed on how the government would be formed.

“Kibaki suggested that we needed only three months to pass a new Constitution,” he said.

However, attention diverted as rallies began in full swing and Kibaki was involved in an accident in Machakos.

Kibaki was taken to the Nairobi Hospital for emergency treatment.

Raila said a crowd had gathered at Nairobi Hospital and was anxious. He went to address the crowd and said, “Our Captain is injured, but the match will continue and we will win this match.”

Kibaki was evacuated to London for treatment and came back strong, he said.

 The election was won, but there were cracks that emerged.

Raila said a clique around the president was responsible for the backtracking on the MoU, not Kibaki himself.

“I said this is not Kibaki, let’s stay in the government,” he said.

Raila praised Kibaki's leadership.

He concluded by urging Kibaki in his next journey to convey his greetings to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Tom Mboya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Moi.

Kibaki died on April 21, at the age of 90.

 A requiem mass was held for him on April 29 at the Nyayo Stadium, before his body was transported by road to his home in Othaya - his final resting place.