Do not begrudge a dead Moi, Yego implores Kenya
Retired African Inland Church (AIC) Bishop Silas Yego yesterday said retired President Daniel arap Moi had publicly asked for forgiveness and, therefore, persons holding grudges against him were only hurting themselves.
Yego urged Kenyans to choose forgiveness over grudges and revealed that Moi, in his last days, would always refer to Colossians 3:13 that talks of forgiveness and bearing with each other.
“President Moi personally apologised to those he had wronged and also forgave all those who had wronged him. He had no grudge. I am a witness and as a Christian, I believed him,” he said.
The bishop said Moi had also told him he had forgiven all those behind the 1982 coup attempt and would occasionally refer to Isaiah Chapter 54 verse 17 that reads: No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgement.
The attempted coup substantially changed how Moi ruled the country.
Yego said preparations for the funeral were almost complete and the organising committee and Moi family were satisfied with what the government had done so far.
Moi had told Yego during a family function in Kabarak to celebrate his birthday in September last year that he was ready to die and be with the Lord.
“We were taking tea when he told me to pray for him as he was almost going to die. I was shocked because he looked healthy.”
The cleric said Moi’s family and friends were happy with the support they were getting both from the government and Kenyans.
“I have never seen anything like this. The family is overwhelmed by the support,” he said.
Leaders and other mourners yesterday visited the family at Kabarnet Gardens. Senator Gideon Moi hosted them. He said they were humbled by goodwill of Kenyans.
Among those who visited the family was a delegation from Moi High School Kabarak.
The school principal Elisheba Cheruiyot said Moi was paying fees for 10 students in every class and that he worked very hard to ensure that the school was running smoothly.
Former speaker Francis ole Kaparo said Moi was a firm leader and despite the challenges, he was never moved. “He would reach out to those who had been left behind.”
