Kakamega
By Sidney Okoth
Kenya’s long serving former President Daniel arap Moi died at the age of 95 years while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi hospital.
Mr Moi who ruled for 24 years changed the country’s political landscape courtesy of his iron fist rule and handed power to erstwhile President Mwai Kibaki who ruled the country for ten years and then succeeded by Uhuru in the divisive 2013 general elections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement in a presidential proclamation in which he stated that the ex-statesman died in presence of his family.
“It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I announce the passing of a Great African Statesman, Mzee Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, the Second President of the Republic of Kenya. His Excellency the Former President passed on at the Nairobi Hospital on the early morning of this 4th February, 2020; in the presence of his family,” read Uhuru’s statement.
The late Mzee had been in hospital for more than one month until the time for his death.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered a period of national mourning until a state funeral is held, on a date not yet to be confirmed.
“It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I announce the passing of a Great African Statesman, Mzee Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, the Second President of the Republic of Kenya. His Excellency the Former President passed on at the Nairobi Hospital on the early morning of this 4th February, 2020; in the presence of his family,” read Uhuru’s statement.
The Kenya Defense Forces has also taken hold of all operations concerning the late President’s burial program until a state funeral is carried out.
And in Kakamega, the locals paid tribute to the family of the late president terming him an astute leader who changed the education system of Kenya.
They also remembered Mzee Moi of Nyayo milk, Harambee spirit and a staunch leader who called upon Kenyans to always conserve the environment.
Kenya African National Union(KANU) Kakamega offices were packed with mourners who came in to share and celebrate what the national icon did to them during his 24 years’ reign.
Kakamega KANU chairperson, Chacha Weche, said he was saddened by the death of his long term friend, Mzee Moi.
“I feel so sad today after waking up to the sad news of former president’s death. My condolences go to the family through this troubled times,” said Weche.
The KANU chairperson also said that Moi brought a lot of development to Kakamega region including the establishing Nyayo tea zone, Mumias Sugar Company together with Moi showground Kakamega.
But even as many celebrate him, there are a few who think otherwise. In 1982, Moi’s government pushed a constitutional amendment through Parliament that made Kenya effectively a one-party state.
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