Kibaki was kindhearted, caddy says
Professional caddy Joshua Kimemia has a recollection of fond memories stretched for a period of 10 years when he served retired President Mwai Kibaki.
Kimemia says Kibaki was good-hearted and was never rude. The two enjoyed each other’s company to the extent that there was an element of trust between them.
The last time Kimemia met Kibaki was two weeks before his accident on December 3, 2002. Three weeks later, he was elected president, signalling the end of a decade-long relationship.
Kimemia while downplaying the favourite tag, he terms the former Head of State as a very generous person to him during their time working together.
“I think the retired Head of State liked me. Otherwise, I couldn’t have been his caddy for that long. For me the work was more psychological,” he explained.
“Kibaki was generally a quiet person, knowing his moods first was key. That way I was able to tell when he needed to have a small chat when he needed total silence, those aspects made us work together for long,” he added.
“There were times he (Kibaki) had his spirits down, it was my job to try and make it easier for him in the course, this I did without overstepping,” he adds.
During their time together in the 1990s, Kimemia recalls how the retired president used to play nine holes every day.
Talented golfer
“I think people don’t talk much about how much he was a talented golfer. He was extremely good. Importantly, he used to tip very well, around Sh 1,000 per session and that was a lot during that time,” Kimemia who worked at Windsor Golf course before transferring to Muthaiga said.
