Legislators say President Moi was self-made and patriotic
Anthony Mwangi and Mercy Mwai
Members of the National Assembly showered retired President Daniel arap Moi with accolades describing him as a nationalist and patriotic leader who will be remembered by many Kenyans.
Contributing during a special sitting convened to honour Moi yesterday, the MPs told politicians seeking political positions in the country to emulate Moi’s style of leadership whose main aim was to leave one united country.
In particular, the lawmakers asked the leaders to follow his footsteps and hand over power when their terms end.
Led by National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale, the legislators said Moi did not amend the Constitution to hold on to power despite the fact that he had the powers to do so.
“Moi was a self-made politician. He will be remembered for centralising education from primary to secondary, consolidating peace and equality,” said Duale.
Duale said he will remember Moi for allowing the repeal of section 2A to allow for multi-party democracy as well as for pushing for the revival of the East African Community (EAC) together with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa.
Deputy Speaker Mosses Cheboi said that as a person he benefitted from Moi’s good deeds as he was able to fly with him to Rwanda for the first time as a student leader.
Sakwa Bunyasi (Nambale) said he remembered the former president as a leader who did not change the Constitution to increase his term in office.
Bahati’s Kimani Ngunjiri said he will remember Moi as the only leader who was elected in to Parliament on a Kanu ticket in 1963 and retired in 2003 in the same party.
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Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala said Moi will be remembered for the special position he held for women.
Baringo North’s William Cheptumo said the late ruler will be remembered for being a leader who was keen on uniting the country.
Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) said even though he did not entirely agree with his style of leadership, Moi should be appreciated for the way he led the government.
At the same time, nominated MP and Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) secretary General Wilson Sossion said Moi expanded the education sector and strengthened the school inspection system and quality assurance.
Meanwhile, Various dignitaries and members of the public yesterday continued to pay their final respects to Moi at Parliament ahead of his memorial service today.
Former nominated Senator Zipporah Kittony almost broke down when she remembered her interactions with Moi, while Maendeleo ya Wanawake chair Rahab Mwikali said Moi will be remembered for uplifting women in the country.
Renowned Gor Mahia Football Club “number one fan” Jaro Soja led team supporters in mourning the former president. He said Moi was a great supporter of the club during his days in office.
Esther Kasalu, who travelled from Mwingi to view Moi’s body, said: “Moi was a great leader, he visited our town many times and ordered that roads be made. Since then the roads have not been done.”
