Moi send-off: Mourners fill Kabarak grounds at crack of dawn
What you need to know:
- Convoy with Moi's body leaves Lee Funeral Home at 7am for Wilson Airport ahead of his burial in Kabarak.
- His body is set to arrive at Kabarak grounds at 8am.
The body of former president Daniel arap Moi left Lee Funeral Home at 7am and the convoy headed to Wilson Airport.
It was escorted by police vehicles, military officers and Mzee Moi's family members.
Argwings Kodhek Road and the road leading to Wilson Airport were closed as onlookers bid Mzee Moi farewell along the way.
The body was loaded onto a military chopper, which lifted off at 7.45 am.
The helicopter landed at Kabarak airstrip around 8.40am.
KABARAK GROUNDS
In Nakuru County, mourners braved the early morning cold to secure their places in pre-dawn queues at Kabarak University grounds.
People started arriving at the venue at 4am.
Mourners arrived as early as 4 am at Kabarak University grounds for the burial ceremony of former President Daniel Moi on February 12, 2020. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Security officers were stationed at the venue early and had begun screening mourners by 6am.
Mourners queue for security checks at Kabarak University on February 12, 2020. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP
By 6.30am, the tents at Kabarak grounds were almost full.
Mourners fill tents at Kabarak University grounds on February 12, 2020. PHOTO | STELLA CHERONO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
After thorough security screening, the mourners were issued with soda and a loaf of bread each, before proceeding to receive a copy of the day's programme.
PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP
By 7am, the grounds were hosting thousands of mourners.
The funeral service was expected to begin immediately the body arrived from Nairobi.
Moi will be interred at his Kabarak home later today in a State burial presided over by the military.
Only family members and a few guests will be allowed at Moi's final resting place in his compound after the public funeral service at Kabarak University is concluded.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto, other Heads of State, ambassadors and dignitaries are expected to attend the burial.
The grave is less than 100 metres from the expansive diamond shaped home, which sits on a large tract of land estimated to be in excess of 2,300 acres.
The burial site had been identified by the former Head of State during the burial of his wife Lena in line with Kalenjin traditions.
Security has been heightened at the venue of the funeral service and around the Kabarak home of Mzee Moi.
Additional reporting by Lynette Mukami.
