Books The Untold Biography Of EMILIO STANLEY MWAI KIBAKI By BEST SELLING AUTHOR Peter Clarke

• Early Life and Education: Born November 15, 1931, in Gatuyaini, Kenya, Kibaki was the youngest of eight children. He excelled academically at Mang'u High School. He earned a degree at Makerere University and furthered his studies at the London School of Economics, specializing in economics and public finance.
• Early Political Career: Entering politics in 1960, he joined the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and played a pivotal role in Kenya's independence movement. He was elected MP for Othaya in 1963 and held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Finance (1969–1981), where he implemented economic reforms.
• Vice Presidency: Serving as Vice President under President Daniel arap Moi from 1978 to 1988, Kibaki was influential in policy but grew increasingly at odds with Moi, eventually resigning from KANU.
• Opposition and Return: After serving in various ministerial roles, he became an opposition MP and leader of the official opposition (1998–2002). He ran unsuccessfully for president twice before winning in 2002.
• Presidency (2002–2013): His tenure is noted for economic revitalization, infrastructure expansion, free primary education policy, and significant constitutional reforms, culminating in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution. His administration focused on industrial growth and poverty reduction.
• Challenges: The 2007 disputed presidential election led to widespread violence and a political crisis, which Kibaki helped resolve with a coalition government arrangement.
• Legacy: Remembered for his economic acumen, moderate leadership style, and efforts to unify Kenya post-election violence. Despite criticism over leadership style, his presidency set a foundation for modern Kenya’s political and economic development.
• Personal Traits: Known for humility, integrity, and pragmatism, often contrasted against more volatile contemporaries.
• Broader Impact: His ability to stabilize Kenya after a turbulent era, promote reconciliation, and push forward democratic governance reforms.

1 BOOK