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All is set for Mama Lucy Kibaki’s requiem mass


A requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday in Nairobi to celebrate the life of former First Lady Lucy Kibaki, who died at a London hospital last week.

The ceremony, at the Consolata Shrine, Westlands, is expected to be attended by dignitaries including President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

Various roads in the capital city are expected to be closed from early morning to afternoon for the event.

According to Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, the body of the late Mrs Kibaki will be driven around various city roads before being taken to the venue, meaning that normal traffic flow will be disrupted.

“The official convoy carrying Mama Lucy Kibaki’s body will leave the Lee Funeral home at 9am,” said Dr Kibicho.

“From there, the procession will take Argwings Kodhek Road, onto Valley Road, Kenyatta Avenue to join Uhuru Highway, Chiromo Road and then enter the Consolata Shrine.

Updating journalists at Harambee House, Nairobi, on the burial preparations, the PS said members of the public will be allowed to stand at the roadside to pay their last respects to the late Mrs Kibaki as the convoy passes through the various routes.

TRAFFIC DIRECTIVES

“We appeal to motorists to cooperate, and follow and obey traffic directives from the police, so that there is minimal disruption on the flow of traffic,” he added.

“Kindly, do not park in undesignated areas. And drive at moderate speeds, giving way to essential service vehicles.”

The Mass is scheduled to begin at 9:30am and those willing to attend have been asked to be seated 30 minutes earlier.

“Parking inside the church is limited to designated members of the family,” said Dr Kibicho. “Alternative provision for parking has been made at the Chiromo Mortuary and the University of Nairobi.”

The body of the late Mama Lucy will be taken to Othaya, Nyeri County, for the final rites on Saturday with an inter-denominational funeral service set for Othaya Approved School at 10am.

Thereafter, the Kibaki family and invited guests will have a private burial ceremony at the former First Family’s home in Othaya, where the former First Lady will be laid to rest.

Kenyans have been requested to adorn themselves in yellow ribbons to celebrate the life of Mama Lucy Kibaki with Dr Kibicho saying the former First Lady “loved bright colours” and, in her honour, the family has chosen the yellow ribbon to celebrate her life.