President Uhuru Kenyatta has opened the public viewing of the late former President Mwai Kibaki’s body at the Parliament buildings.
Kenyatta on Monday morning led dignitaries in paying their last respect to the departed Head of State in the company of First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Kibaki’s body will lie in state at the premises through the three-day viewing before his state funeral on Friday.
Members of the public who wish to view the body will be guided by protocol officers, with the COMESA Grounds at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) designated as the holding area.
The exercise will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 5pm.
Notable people who led the public in paying their last respects to the departed president include President Kibaki’s immediate family, led by his son Jimmy Kibaki, Deputy President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and her deputy Philomena Mwilu, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
Clergy members led by Cardinal John Njue were also present to bless Mzee Kibaki’s body before the viewing.
Governors among them Nairobi’s Ann Kananu, Embu’s Martin Wambora, Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a were also seen arriving at the parliament buildings.
Others include Cabinets Secretary Monica Juma (Energy), Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director-General Lt Gen Mohamed Badi, Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Majority Leader Amos Kimunya.
Meanwhile, diplomats, dignitaries and close associates who wish to condole with the family will be allowed to do so at Kibaki’s private office in Nyari, Nairobi, beginning Tuesday.