It seems like it is not a great season for former Kenyan Presidents. Just days after former President Daniel Moi was admitted at the Nairobi Hospital, his counterpart, Mwai Kibaki, has joined him there.
Reports indicate that Kibaki was admitted at the Nairobi Hospital just days after he returned from treatment in London.
According to Kibaki’s family, the country’s 3rd President was taken to facility on Monday having complained of pain in the knee.
It is his (Kibaki) knee that made him seek medication in London. The 88-year-old was taken through a series of medical examinations with his knee also taken through one.
“Mzee was taken to the hospital for some check-ups but we are praying for him,” said a family source as quoted by The Star.
Conflicting reports have, however, been given by Ngari Gituku, Kibaki’s private secretary who stated that the former head of state was not admitted and that he only visited the Nairobi Hospital for regular medical attention, further describing Kibaki as “cheerful and alert”.
“Despite his age, he is buoyant and lucid. Very alert! However, Kenyans go wrong to expect that at his age, he would remain as agile as Kipchoge. However, he is far much better than his age could allow,” stated Gituku.
According to a source who spoke to The Star, Kibaki is indeed at the hospital for some pain management.
On January 20, 2004, Kibaki was admitted at the Nairobi Hospital for a blood clot in his right leg.
The clot was believed to have been caused by the horrific road accident he had enroute to the 2002 general elections in Machakos, on his way from a political rally.
Kibaki later won the elections under the National Rainbow Alliance (NARC) to bring an end to Mzee Moi’s 24-year rule.
Kibaki has had a number of medical operations. In 2016, he had a carotid surgery on his neck in South Africa.
Not much is known of Kibaki’s private life since he left office as he has continued to maintain a low profile.