Tributes pour in as nation celebrates life of Statesman
Irene Githinji @gitshee
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga was among those who sent outpouring messages of condolences to family and relatives of the second President of Kenya, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, thanking him for his long service to the nation.
Together with his wife Ida, Raila mourned Moi, who was once described himself as a ‘Professor of politics’, saying the retired president has had a chequered career and leaves behind a rich history from representing the Rift Valley in the Legislative Council (Legco) to Baringo Central MP, to vice president and finally the president.
“I first met President Moi in 1958 when my father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga invited the first African elected members of the Legislative Council to our home in Bondo.
I was a teenager and Moi, who represented the Rift Valley, was in the company of Masinde Muliro, Lawrence Oguda, Tom Mboya, Bernard Mate, James Muimi and Ronald Ngala. They operated under the auspices of African Elected Members Organisation, with Jaramogi as their chairman,” Raila said.
Raila said the decision by the Moi administration to make the country a single party state became a major point of disagreement in politics that caused the clamour for the repeal of the then contentious Section 2 (a) of the Constitution.
“Moi and I reconciled after the political differences of the 1980s and early 90s and we were able to work together to bring more reforms to the country.
Our cooperation gave way to merger with his party KANU, which put the country firmly on the path to a new constitution by enabling the formation of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC),” said Raila.
Interior CS, Dr Fred Matiang’i mourned Moi, saying his contribution to stability and peace in Kenya was undeniable.
“I have received his death with a heavy heart, and I share the burden of this grief with his family and relatives. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Kalonzo Musyoka, who served as a Minister, assistant minister, deputy speaker of the National Assembly and MP in the Moi administration, mourned the former president, saying he was a true nationalist and demonstrated his love for the country beyond personal interests.
“I have learned with a deep sense of loss of the passing on of Moi. He was a devout Christian, father figure, an African icon and an astute politician. My deepest condolences to my brother Gideon, the entire Moi family and the nation of Kenya.”
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader, Musalia Mudavadi, who also served in key positions under the Moi administration including being his last vice president , described him as a father figure.
“I have learned with a deep sense of loss of the passing on of Moi. He was a devout Christian, father figure, an African icon and I share in the grief and sorrow of the family and Kenyans upon losing Mzee Moi.
For the wider Mudavadi family, and me it’s a personal loss. Moi was a surrogate father to me in all ways. He taught me patience and perseverance in the face of adversity,” said Mudavadi.
The Council of Governors (CoG) mourned Moi as a political force, a mentor to many Kenyan political leaders and an advocate for good education systems and structures.
“The country has lost a prodigious leader who had a great vision of development and progress and will be remembered for his famous quote ‘Na hiyo ni maendeleo’ (and that is development),” CoG chair Wycliffe Oparanya said in a statement.
Oparanya conveyed his message of condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Mzee Moi and to all Kenyans who share in this pain and grief.
Humble and generous leader
Deputy President, William Ruto’s wife Rachel also gave her message saying: “My profound sympathies go to family and friends of Moi. His demise is a big loss to his family and the entire nation and will be remembered as a humble and generous leader.”
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said Moi was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings of Sacho to become the longest serving President and will be remembered for his humility and political wit.
“His political philosophy was instrumental in moulding and mentoring Kenya’s current political class. He knew how to get out of every political situation even when everybody had written him off.”
Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said Moi will be remembered for his contribution to the democratisation process in Kenya.
“The people of Kenya have lost a leader whose erudite leadership endeared him not only to the country but also the region at large.”
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said: “My heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Moi on his passing. His legacy is forever entrenched in the history of our great nation. May his philosophy of peace, love and unity truly be engrained in each one of us.”
While Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago noting: “We owe a lot to the late Mzee Moi for his contribution in our country, and we recognise that he left a mark in the world in his quest for peace.”
Outstanding politician
Chief Justice David Maraga described Moi as an outstanding politician who devoted his life to serving his country, which he loved and cared for dearly, adding that the retired President sought to make Kenya a better place for all its people, and “his impact is clearly seen in every corner of the country.”
Former assistant minister Peter Kenneth, who served in the finance docket under Mwai Kibaki between 2002-2012, visited the Moi family home in the afternoon to offer his condolence.
“Fare Thee Well Mzee Daniel T. Arap Moi, second President of our Republic. Rest In Peace,” Kenneth, a former MP for Gatanga said in a post on his Twitter handle, after visiting Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
Kenneth served as MD of Kenya Reinsurance before joining politics in 2002 for a stab at the Gatanga seat.
Former minister Noah Katana Ngala, whose father Ronald co-founded Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) with Moi said the former president had a common phrase of ‘peace, love and unity’, which he explained was very serious and knew how important that was.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu remembered Moi as a statesman who provided leadership to ensure peace and harmony in the country.
“We remember his magnanimity when he graciously gave way for the advent of multiparty democracy. The change of guard in 2002 which was widely acclaimed and celebrated across the world will forever be a hallmark in Mzee Moi’s legacy,” said Ngilu.
Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony said: “He was an African statesman, a champion of peace not just in Kenya but also across East African region and beyond where he was often called upon to lead and join various peace initiatives.”
