The grape vine is buzzing with the news that President Mwai Kibaki is currently busy writing his memoirs that according to sources are yet to be given a title.
A source has even gone so far as to say that the president is ‘burning the midnight oil’ on the book (a definite bestseller) and is working closely with an as yet unnamed ‘ghost writer’ who is putting extra polish on Mzee’s usually muddled pronouncements.
Beside shedding light on his rise from a shoeless scholar in Othaya to the dizzying heights of the London School of economics, the book is also expected to set the record straight on the dark days of the post election violence in 2007/2008 an episode that has already been written about by Miguna Miguna (Peeling back the mask) and former UN Sec Gen Koffi Annan (Interventions: a life in war and peace).
Source:nairobiwire.com
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There have been longstanding reports suggesting that former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was working on his memoirs before his death in April 2022. In 2012, Nairobi Wire reported that Kibaki was “burning the midnight oil” on the book, collaborating with an unnamed “ghost writer” to polish his narrative.
The memoir was expected to cover his rise from humble beginnings in Othaya to his education at the London School of Economics, and to provide insights into pivotal events such as the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
However, it was anticipated that the book would avoid topics like his alleged second wife, Mary Wambui, and the Anglo Leasing scandal.
In 2013, Africa Intelligence reported that Kibaki had begun preparing the groundwork for his memoirs and was considering hiring a foreign biographer to assist with the writing.
Despite these reports, no official memoir by Kibaki has been published to date. Following his death, discussions have emerged about preserving his legacy.
For instance, the Africa Policy Institute launched the Mwai Kibaki Annual Memorial Lecture and Award Gala Night in 2024 to honor his contributions .
Additionally, there have been suggestions to establish a research facility or museum at Mweiga House to house Kibaki’s papers and mementos, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations.
While Kibaki’s memoir remains unpublished, his legacy continues to be celebrated and preserved through various initiatives.
President Kibaki Has Writing His Memoir – Surprises Ahead
