Condolence Message.

PRESS STATEMENT
RE: MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI
I have this afternoon, Friday 22nd April 2022, learned with a heavy heart the sad news of the passing away of the Former President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Mwai Kibaki.
Without a doubt, the former president was an honest man and a quintessential economist who turned around our economy for the benefit of Kenyan workers who will forever celebrate him.
As president, he was accessible and alive to the plight of workers. On short notice, he would agree to meet and have deliberations with COTU (K) officials to forestall any industrial animosity. Workers will remember him for raising the minimum wage year-on-year during his ten years as president.
The former president, over and above raising the minimum wage for workers whilst improving the economy, recognized worker’s representatives and celebrated them. Twice, he awarded me with state commendations, namely, Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in recognition of my service.
Having worked with the former president since the 1960s when he was still serving as an Executive Officer of the KANU party and in the ten years of his presidency, he stood out as a believer in social justice and the decency of work. Kenyan workers will forever celebrate him even though his death is a big loss to us.
On behalf of COTU (K) Executive Board and Kenyan workers, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the family and Kenyans at large. May the Almighty grant strength and grace to the family and friends as they go through this difficult time.
Ends.
Dr. Francis Atwoli, NOM (DZA), CBS, EBS, MBS
SECRETARY-GENERAL