‘When he lost, he lost with dignity’: Archbishop Muheria urges presidential aspirants to emulate Kibaki

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has urged aspirants seeking the country’s top seat at the August polls to borrow a leaf from the late former President Mwai Kibaki’s book on statesmanship.

Speaking in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Saturday ahead of Kibaki’s burial service, Archbishop Muheria noted that presidential aspirants should strive to emulate the former Head of State, whom he says always put the affairs of Kenya ahead of his personal ambitions.

“Look at the man and patriot we are burying; a great outstanding leader who never used hate speech, who never made enemies, who was open and who was ready to serve at any level without worrying about losing the glamour of being an outstanding leader. All leaders should learn that,” said Muheria.  

Muheria went on to say that the late President’s tolerance likewise morphed him into one of the best presidents to have ever served the country, noting that none of his political ideas and campaigns were informed by malice.

“When he campaigned he never campaigned against, but only in favour of and when he lost, he lost with dignity. He never went around instigating his supporters,” he said.

“We pray that our leaders will make a note in their heart and demand of themselves that kind of statesmanship. That is the leadership Kenyans deserve.”

The Archbishop likewise added that Kibaki will be remembered for being a down-to-earth and gifted patriot who first and foremost valued what people brought to the table irrespective of their background and social status.

“I was the age of his son but yet when we sat down in the few occasions we had, he listened keenly and gave me tremendous respect that I was surprised by. That was great statesmanship, humanity and humility which we will remember in how he related with ordinary Kenyans.”

Muheria consequently underscored that the Church will work in tandem with the media to provide a guiding light to politicians and Kenyans in general, ahead of the General Elections.