How former President Moi touched lives of many
The photographer who took the iconic Moi-at-91 photo has described the former president as a charismatic man who was always generous.
Recalling the day he took the photo, the photographer, David Namu said despite his advanced age, Moi looked courageous.
“We have been friends with Mzee for more than 10 years. He looked jovial and energetic and he expressed gratitude to God for his many years,” said Namu.
Moi planted a commemorative tree in front of the Daniel Moi Library, after which thanksgiving prayers were held at the site.
Several people who talked to People Daily yesterday described Moi as a man who was more than willing to help.
Miriam Wavinya, 42, remembered Moi as a leader who cherished education.
She was one of the 10-year-old children who were picked to perform for the Head of State to mark Moi’s 10th anniversary as Kenya’s president in 1988.
Wavinya (pictured) says besides the 1988 meeting, she was privileged to meet Moi on several other occasions.
“When I was in Class Six, Moi gave me a certificate as one of the best music festival performers,” Wavinya said.
Nyayo milk
Moi is also credited for introducing the 8-4-4-education system, which most Kenyans went through.
When Moi rolled out 8-4-4, the emphasis was on practical and vocational training. 8-4-4 has since replaced with the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Moi will also remembered for the free milk programme introduced in 1980 and was fully funded by the government.
Judy Kaberia, a journalist, remembers the days she met Moi face-to-face in 2006.
Kaberia who was assigned to cover the ex-President’s press conference described how she arrived early at the Kabarak home.
When Moi walked in, however, she was petrified because she had never been so close to him.
Kaberia later got the privilege of being given a tour of his palatial home.
Soon after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced his predecessor in a presidential proclamation, people flocked to social networks to express their condolences.
“My condolences to the family and friends of the late Rt President Moi on his passing on.
His greatest gift to Kenya’s nascent democracy was the peaceful handover of power after the 2002 elections, a tradition we must maintain,” Tweeted Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
