Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki passed away Tuesday morning in the United Kingdom while undergoing treatment .
Mrs Kibaki, who was born in 1940, had withdrawn from public life during the latter part of her husband's rule, which ended in 2013. She was last seen at a public function was in August 2010, when she seemed excited about the adoption of a new constitution, dancing to a famous gospel song, Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reported.
Mrs Kibaki sparked controversy after slapping a journalist angry at the way a story about her was reported.
In a tribute to Mrs Kibaki, President Uhuru Kenyatta praised her for her role in fighting HIV/Aids in Kenya. Mr Kenyatta said she had been unwell for the last month, receiving treatment in both Kenya and the UK.
Mrs Kibaki trained as a teacher, leaving her job not long after her marriage in 1962 to raise her four children.
"Her Excellency will be remembered for her immense contribution in the development of country," Mr Kenyatta said in a statement. According to the Daily Nation, she organised the First International Aids Run in 2003. But correspondents say she also provoked condemnation when she said unmarried young people had "no business" using condoms, calling on students to abstain from sex in order to avoid infection with HIV.
#RIPMamaLucy until we meet again .
Rest in Peace Mama Taifa.
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