Governors, senators, legislators close ranks to condole with the Moi family

Hillary Mageka @ hillarymageka

Hundreds of Kenyans yesterday thronged the late retired President Daniel Arap Moi’s Kabarnet Gardens home in Nairobi to condole with the family.

Politicians, civil servants, envoys, friends of the family, judges, lawyers, business moguls and former political buddies flocked to the home to pay tribute and express their message of condolences to the family.

Council of Governors (CoG) described Moi as the pioneer of devolved government, famously referred to as Majimbo system. COG deputy chairman Mwangi wa Iria, led the 14 county chiefs in describing Moi as the ‘Father of Devolution’.

“In those days, as KADU, he was at the forefront fighting for majimboism,” Wa Iria said, adding: “As a family of devolution, we can easily say Moi is our father,” 

The governor credited Moi with the various projects being carried out by the successive governments as many were initiated during his time.

“If you look at agriculture as an item in our Big Four Agenda, Moi was very passionate in tree planting as part of environmental protection and soil conservation. You could see Moi literally constructing gabions, “ he said.

The Murang’a governor said Nyayo wards, Nyayo Pioneer Programmes and schools started during Moi’s time were some of the things to remember him for.

He asked the former President’s son Gideon to emulate his father when it comes to leadership and vowed to support him.

Devolution guru

“We are also looking upon you… an apple does not fall too far from the tree. So in you, we expect continuity of what your father was,” said Wa Iria.

He was accompanied by governors Mohamed Kuti (Isiolo), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Mohamud Ali (Marsabit), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho) and Stephen Sang (Nandi).

Others were Okoth Obado (Migori), Ali Roba (Mandera), Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), Sospeter Ojaamong’ (Busia), Samuel Ole Tunai (Narok), Stanley Kiptis (Baringo) and Amason Kingi (Kilifi).

Chepkwony said Moi advocated for the girl child by constructing girls’ schools across the country.

The Kericho Governor added that Moi would be remembered for building many churches and fighting illicit brews.

Godana said Moi had a network system of leadership in which village elders contributed to the development of the country.

On the other hand, Senators said Moi would be remembered for his contribution in the education sector and the free primary school milk better known as Maziwa ya Nyayo.

Led by Majority leader in the Senate Kipchumba Murkomen and his minority counterpart James Orengo, the lawmakers said Moi would be missed not only by his family but the whole nation.

The leaders were Boniface Kabaka (Machakos), Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), Ledama Ole Kina (Narok), Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), and Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho). Others were Margaret Kamar (Uasin Gishu), Amos Wako (Busia), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) Fred Outa (Kisumu), nominated senators Beatrice Kwamboka, Rose Nyamunga and Abshiro Halakhe.

Orengo described Moi as a leader who served the public in many facets of life, climbing the ranks from a teacher to vice president and president for 24 years.

“There is a lot to celebrate about the passing on of the retired President. There is nobody who has served in Parliament more than Moi did. He rose through the ranks and became the Leader of Government Business in Parliament,” he said.

Murkomen caused a light moment when he said he grew up knowing that the name ‘Moi’ was used by presidents across the globe.

Humility and gratitude

“We grew up knowing that Moi is the name of a president. We used to ask who is Moi of Uganda, Moi of Tanzania…He has left a rich legacy. He heavily invested in education so that those who came from remote areas could access education,” Murkomen said.

Gideon thanked the lawmakers for finding time to condole with his family, saying he knew his father had gone well.

“He tried to open his eyes and looked at me then he rested at about 5.20 am. Nevertheless, it is with humility that I express my gratitude for finding time to come and condole with us,” he said.

MPs who accompanied the senators included Kanini Kega (Kieni),  Jared Okello (Nyando), William Cheptumo (Baringo North) his Baringo South counterpart Charles Kamuren, William Kamket (Tiaty), William Chepkut (Ainabkoi), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).

Others were Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion West), Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi North) and Woman Reps Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Fatuma Gedi (Wajir), Gladwel Cheruiyot (Baringo) and Sofia Adan (Marsabit) among others.