Family, friends bid farewell to Jonathan Moi
Sylvia Toroitich Moi with her children Leroy Too Moi, Wayne Kiprop Moi and Barbara Jebet Moi during Jonathan Moi's burial service at Kabarak University graduation grounds on April 27, 2019. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Jonathan Toroitich Moi succumbed to cancer on April 20 at Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.
- President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga did not attend the funeral as they were in China.
- In his address, DP Ruto reiterated the need for Kenyans to prioritise cancer screening as chances of survival are higher with early detection.
Family, friends as well as county and national leaders gathered in Baringo County on Saturday for the burial of former President Daniel arap Moi’s eldest son.
Jonathan Toroitich Moi succumbed to cancer on April 20 at Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.
The body was transported from Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi ahead of the funeral that took place at the family home in Kabimoi, Eldama Ravine.
The ceremony began at about 10am with a service at Kabarak University graduation grounds.
At the service, Baringo Senator and Kanu's national chairman Gideon Moi read a speech on behalf of his father, ex-President Moi.
The coffin bearing the remains of Jonathan Toroitich Moi as pictured at Kabarak University graduations ahead of the burial service on April 27, 2019. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
GUESTS
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga did not attend the funeral as they were in China.
Among leaders in attendance were Deputy President William Ruto, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula, leader of Ford Kenya party.
Others were Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Chief Justice David Maraga, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Siaya Senator James Orengo and Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat.
In his address, DP Ruto reiterated the need for Kenyans to prioritise cancer screening as chances of survival are higher with early detection.
Sylvia Toroitich Moi, Jonathan Moi's widow, reads her tribute during the burial service at Kabarak University grounds on April 27, 2019.
PRIVACY
Mourners started arriving at Kabimoi as early as 6am and by 8am, all seats had been occupied.
They followed the proceedings at the service from television screens mounted at the home.
Retired President Moi was not at the service but afterwards, he went to the home which is some 50 kilometers from his Kabarak residence. He arrived in a convoy of about five cars.
The hearse that transported Mr Toroitich's body arrived at about 4.30pm.
The security at the home was tight as the burial was only to be witnessed by close family members and selected friends.
Only journalists of Standard Media Group were allowed into the home, which was guarded by the General Service Unit and regular police officers.
CONDOLENCES
Mr Toroitich, who was popularly known as JT, was a celebrated rally driver.
He left behind a widow, Sylvia, and four children.
His sons Clint and Wayne earlier thanked everyone who condoled with them.
“It has been difficult for us after we lost our father, but we appreciate the immense support so far from friends, neighbours and leaders,” Clint said.
Those who visited the family at Kabimoi on Friday included businessman Jackson Kibor and governors led by Kakamega's Wycliffe Oparanya.
