Police officers, parliamentary staff, National Youth Servicemen and journalists were on Sunday ejected Parliament Buildings as retired president Mwai Kibaki paid his last respects to his predecessor Daniel Arap Moi.
The groups were ordered out of the premises to allow Kibaki’s aides and the military to prepare for his arrival.
Media houses that have been beaming live the event and St John’s ambulance staff were also thrown out temporarily. The media were ordered to halt their services for almost 20 minutes.
But parliamentary orderlies were spared to assist the military prepare for the smooth and seamless arrival of Kibaki.
The military, who have taken charge of his burial plans in line with the Presidential Proclamations, then sealed off the entrances to the main Parliament Buildings.
About 20 minutes to noon, the retired president arrived at Parliament Buildings where he was received by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and his brother, Rongai MP Raymond Moi.
Kibaki was accompanied by Chief of Defence forces General Samson Mwathethe and Kenya Army Priest Benjamin Maswili as he gave his last respects to his predecessor Moi, whom he once served as vice president.
Unlike other dignitaries, the retired president made his way through Parliament’s main gate situated opposite county hall avoiding the gate facing KICC, the Senate’s gate, which VIPs including President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto has been using since Saturday morning.
This according to our sources was to avoid the public eye which has been speculative pf his health.
“The state and his family are trying to be cautious about Kibaki’s health,” the source said.
“Yes, he looks sickly, but he came walking with his walking stick but closely guarded by his aides,” the source added.
On Sunday, a visibly energetic Kibaki in the video which has since gone viral was seen signing a condolence book at Moi’s Kabarnet residence supported by an unidentified man.
