Raila, Magufuli, Besigye other leaders mourn Moi

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has led regional leaders in mourning former President Daniel arap Moi who passed on this morning at Nairobi Hospital.

“On behalf of the Tanzanian government, I pass my heartfelt condolences to the president of Kenya and all Kenyans for loss of the retired president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi. Tanzanians remember him for his remarkable leadership and the effort to strengthen the East African Community relationship,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni described Mr Moi as a leader who maintained stability in Kenya after the death of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and was always passionate about the East African regional integration. “He had an orientation towards Africa as opposed to Europe as most leaders of his time,” President Museveni said.

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye also mourned the former president.

“From humble beginnings and with a humble, submissive demeanour. President Moi emerged to become a skilful statesman! His main legacy is affording Kenya a peaceful transition to another leader. Can now rest in peace,” he said on his official social media handle.

RUTO, RAILA

Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have also given their condolences.

While Mr Ruto said Moi’s life and work touched everyone in lasting, impactful ways, Mr Odinga hailed the departed former Head of State for his long life of service to the nation and noted that he had conducted himself with complete dignity befitting an elder statesman since leaving office.

“I am grateful for the time I spent with him. At this moment of mourning, our hearts and prayers are with the family and the entire Moi clan,” Mr Odinga, who is away in the US, said in a statement.

Mr Ruto said Moi’s love for the people of Kenya and his unflagging patriotism saw him sacrifice his personal comfort and happiness to secure stability and unity at all times.

“As a teacher-evangelist who improbably and reluctantly entered political leadership and excelled in it, Mzee had no time to prepare or learn outside the job. His genuine concern, selflessness, loyalty and sincerity however, enabled him to acquire staying power and attract the support of millions of patriots,” Dr Ruto said.

In an early morning presidential proclamation, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced to the nation the death of Kenya’s second President who retired in 2002, and ordered all flags be flown at half-mast.

"ASTUTE POLITICIAN"

Chief Justice David Maraga said Moi's legacy in his service delivery will always be cherished as he rose from a humble teacher to the highest office in the land.

“President Moi was an outstanding politician who devoted his entire life to serving his country, which he loved and cared for dearly. He strived to make Kenya a better place for all its people, and his impact is clearly seen in every corner of the country,” Mr Maraga said.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the former president was a devout Christian, father figure, an African icon and an astute politician.

Speaker of National Assembly Justin Muturi in his statement said the demise of the former President has left a huge gap among elderly African statesmen that they look up to from time to time for wise counsel on leadership.

“He will be remembered for his great efforts towards consolidating peace and tranquillity within the horn of Africa and largely the East African Region, at a very difficult time for the region and the African continent,” said Mr Muturi.

“In President Daniel Arap Moi, we mourn the passing on of a distinguished son of Kenya and the great African icon whose passion for the renaissance of the East African Community is unmatched,” the Speaker added.

Mr Muturi described him as an amiable great man full of cheer who has left an indelible print in the mastery of Kenyan political governance.

POLITICAL SAVVY

Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka said the country shall remember the former President as a man with sharp wits, extraordinary political savvy and generosity.

“As the dark cloud hangs over the country, we are reminded of our collective indebtedness to this towering figure of our time. Our hearts are not only filled with gratitude for the 24 years that he served as our second president, but for the over 55 years of dedicated public service to this republic,” he said.

Mr Lusaka, who served under the former President in the provincial administration as a District Commissioner, said he admired his punctuality, penchant for statistics and promotion of talent through music.

Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen through his Twitter account said he will remember Moi for his efforts to unite the nation and for his love and investment in matters education.

“Condolences to his immediate and extended family including my colleague Senator Gideon Moi. Fare thee well Baba Moi,” Murkomen said.

LIBERTY

Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, who is also the deputy chairman of the Council Of Governors, described Mr Moi as one of the leaders who conceived a nation bed-rocked on liberty.

“Mzee Moi vibrated highly and blazed across our skies like the moon shines out to light our ways through the darkness. We celebrate, dedicate, consecrate and hallow his life and legacy,” Mr Wa Iria said in a statement.

Ugunja MP and chairman National Assembly Public Accounts committee Opiyo Wandayi said: "All the world's a stage, and all the women and men are merely player, they have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time plays many parts. Rest in peace Mzee Moi."

NAKURU LEADERS

A number of leaders from Nakuru County, where Moi's Kabarak home is located, also offered their tributes to the family of the second President.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui described Moi as humble and a political genius.

In his tribute message, he credited the former Head of State for his humility and role in shaping politics in the region.

“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,” he said.

Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui said the country has lost a great leader who had contributed greatly to the improvement of standards of education in the country.

“Today is a very sad for the is country. We have lost a great hero and statesman who was committed in ending illiteracy in this country,” said Mr Tonui.

Former Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mr Zakayo Cheruiyot also sent his condolence message to the family of the deceased President.

Mr Cheruiyot, who served in the former president’s cabinet for five years, remembered him as a hardworking leader who was ahead of every public servant in government.

“He was a man who was well informed on matters government and was properly in charge of the country. My prayers are with his family in these sorrowful times,” he added.

The Rift Valley Council of Elders also sent a condolence message to the family.

Council chairman Gilbert Kabage described Moi as a God fearing leader.

“I remember before he proceeded for retirement, he publicly apologised to those who were hurt by his deeds and also forgave those who hurt him. This is a character of a man who understood that life, just like everything else has an end,” said Mr Kabage.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni described Mr Moi as a leader who maintained stability in Kenya after the death of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and was always passionate about the East African regional integration.

“He had an orientation towards Africa as opposed to Europe as most leaders of his time,” President Museveni said.

Igad Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyu eulogised Mr Moi as one of the organisation’s founders. He said Igad will forever be indebted to him for his valuable contribution in the region.

Report by Hellen Shikanda, Ibrahim Oruko, Samwel Owino and Joseph Openda.