Former President Mwai Kibaki’s body has arrived in Parliament to commence a 3-day lying-in-state ritual accorded to the late former Head of State.
A military gun carriage carrying Kibaki’s body arrived at Parliament buildings minutes before 9:00 am on Monday.
Mwai Kibaki, a fallen hero
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to lead the nation in viewing the body of the late Kenya’s third President as well as paying his tribute to the fallen hero.
At the same time, Parliament will also reconvene on Wednesday for a Special Sitting to allow members to pay tribute to the late the President who spent decades at the institution.
Speaker Justin Muturi will gazette the sitting, which will be held from 2.30pm.
Military and civilian honours
While announcing the death of his predecessor on Friday, President Kenyatta said he will be given full military and civilian honours.
Clerk of the National Assembly Michael Sialai told K24 Digital that members were expected to use the sitting to pay tribute and condole with the family of the former president.
“The Special Sitting has purposely been convened to allow members to pay tribute to the late President who himself was a member of the House for 50 uninterrupted years,” Sialai said.
Top military officers yesterday pitched tent at Parliament Building rehearsing for events that will be held there.
Wear masks
The Head of State is expected to arrive at Parliament buildings at 10am to receive the body and commence the three days of lying-in-state.
According to Sialai, members of the public coming to view the body are supposed to wear masks.
“There will be many people crowding to enter the precincts of Parliament and so as a precaution, we ask members of the public to put on masks.
“The Sergeant at Arms has been directed to see to it that it is adhered to,” Sialai added.
