Kibaki condoles with the Michuki family

Written By:Carol Karimi/PPS,    Posted: Sat, Feb 25, 2012

President Mwai Kibaki consoled Mrs Josephene Michuki the widow of the Late Environment Minister John Michuki at Home Ridgeways Nairobi. President Mwai Kibaki Saturday visited the home of the Environment Minister who was his family friend and dependable ally the late Hon. John Njoroge Michuki to pray and condole with his family. President Kibaki, who arrived from London earlier in the day after attending a successful international conference on Somalia, eulogized Hon. Michuki as a focused public servant, determined businessman and issue-oriented politician. The Head of State, in his condolence message, prayed to God to give the late Hon. Michuki's family and constituents the strength and fortitude to bear the great loss. The late Michuki passed on Tuesday evening at the Aga Khan Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment. Michuki had been admitted at the Aga Khan Hospital only two days after his return from London where he had gone for treatment. Michuki will be remembered by many Kenyans for his role in restoring sanity in the chaotic transport sector. Michuki spearheaded the eradication of the ‘matatu madness' when he introduced the famous ‘Michuki Rules' immediately he assumed the Transport docket in 2003.. He was appointed Minister for Transport and Communications by President Kibaki when the NARC government assumed power after the 2002 General Elections. Until his demise, he was serving in the environment docket, a ministry he headed with equal passion. He will be remembered for his role in rooting for the clean- up of the Nairobi River, something many thought was impossible. Michuki also served in the Ministry of Internal Security, a tenure during which many remember him for ruthlessly tackling the outlawed Mungiki sect. Acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Francis Kimemia and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta were among the first Government officials who went to console the family when the news of his death broke. Kimemia described Michuki as one of the most hardworking ministers in Kenya. In a press statement Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Kenya has lost a hard working leader and citizen who was willing to give everything for the dignity of our country and our people. "I had a chance to attend international forums where environmental matters were being discussed. I can testify that Mr. Michuki fought hard and bargained for Kenya. I wish God's grace to the family of the late minister. We stand with them in prayers." The Prime Minister said. In Parliament proceedings on Wednesday, legislators took turn to pay tribute to the man they described as as a true patriot whose deeds will be remembered by many. His last official duty was in November 2011, during the Climate change talks in Durban, South Africa. Michuki did not attend the Conference of African Environment Ministers that ends on Wednesday in Gigiri.