The late third President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki’s State Funeral is currently underway at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
The service will be inter-denominational but led by the Catholic Church. Kibaki passed away on Friday, April 22.
Today’s memorial service – the first of two State funerals – will be led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and is expected to be graced by several foreign dignitaries including Heads of State; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir and Ethiopian Head of State Sahle-Work-Zewde.
According to the programme, Kibaki will be accorded full military honours including the conveyance of the body under escort in a gun carriage, accompanied by military musical honours and a 19 gun-salute.
The military gun carriage and State funeral procession will this morning make their way from State House, Nairobi to the stadium, the venue of the ceremony.
State funeral programme
Here is the rest of the programme after the arrival of Kibaki’s body.
10.10 AM: Arrival of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Judges, Members of the National Assembly, Senators, County Governors, The Cabinet, Judges of the Supreme Court, Heads of Arms of Government and the Deputy President.
10:20 AM: Arrival of Visiting Heads of States and Governments.
10:30 AM: Arrival of Uhuru Kenyan, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, accompanied by the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. The National Anthem. The EAC Anthem.
10:45 AM: The State reception of President Mwai Kibaki’s Funeral Procession. Guard of Honour (Troops-in-line). Procession to the Altar. Head of State, CDF, VCDF and Svc Comds witness the mounting of the casket on the catafalque. Paying last respects by visiting Heads of State.
11 AM: The State Funeral Service. Requiem Mass in Celebration of the Life of President Mwai Kibaki celebrated by His Grace Arch. Bishop Philip Anyolo assisted by His Grace Arch. Bishop Martin lthuva.
1 PM: Tributes
2 PM: Retreat of the cortege of the late President Mwai Kibaki. The National Anthem
2:10 PM: The President leaves the Nyayo National Stadium followed by other visiting Heads of State and Governments.
PHOTO/Courtesy
