Mercy Mwai @wangumarci

African Heads of State and government yesterday paid glowing tributes to former  President Daniel arap Moi, describing him as a patriotic leader who was passionate about peace in the region 

The dignitaries, among them former Presidents, who spoke at the funeral service of the late Moi at Nyayo National Stadium, narrated their personal relationships with the former Head of State and how he impacted their respective countries during his 24-year rule as Kenya’s second President.

Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) and Brahim Ghali (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) as well as former Presidents of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa, said Moi had died as a gallant leader who will be remembered not only in Kenya,  but across the continent.

In their tributes, Museveni, Kikwete and Mkapa said they mostly remember Moi for his push to have one united East African region.

“Death is a must, the issue is how you will be remembered once you die. If you do nothing we will bury you and forget; if you do bad things we will remember you for that and if you do good things we will celebrate you. Like in the bible Pontius Pilate is remembered for condemning Jesus to hang,” Museveni said.

Gain self-rule

Museveni said Kenya has remained united and peaceful for long because its leaders have been able to not only work together but also push for peace and stability.

He added that Moi would be remembered for his push for EAC integration, his push for reconciliation not only among Kenyans but also with the neighbouring countries as well as his patriotism for agreeing to move from Kadu to join Kanu.

“In Africa leaders are doctors, if you cannot diagnose the disease the country is suffering from, then you cannot prescribe the right medicine. Kenya has been united and peaceful for long, 2007/8 was just a joke and those who have been in war know what war means,” he said.

South Sudan’s Kiir said his people consider Moi as the hero of their independence as he pushed for the recognition of South Sudan as a nation.

“South Sudan is the product of his work and we remain in his legacy. We honour Moi both for his humility and good heart,” he said.

In his tribute, Kiir said they consider Moi a special person because during the peace talks in 2005, he played a great role in ensuring the people of South Sudan gained self-rule.

Share pain

“While I was one of the chief negotiators of the peace agreement in 2005, I heard Moi say and I quote as a statesman and a son of Africa “Vice President Ali Osman, leave the people of South Sudan to be free.”

Sahrawi’s Ghali said he had come to Kenya to pay his last respect to Moi based on the fact that he pushed for self-determination of states.

Sahrawi is a self-declared state claiming authority over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is presently occupied by Morocco,  and has a long relationship with Kenya especially after it recognised South Sudan and pushed it to attain its independence.

He said: “Moi was a great leader who fought for independence and self-rule. He was democratic and did everything in his life to bring Kenya among top nations.”

Djibouti’s Guelleh said: “Kenya has lost one of its greatest sons. Moi was one of the founding fathers of Igad. He was a true statesman and the biggest pan-Africanist.”

Kagame, who described Moi as a gallant leader said he shares the pain Kenya is going through and will stand with the country. “We are here based on the friendship between Kenya and Rwanda. When the people of Kenya are grieving, it goes as far as our country and our people join you. If Kenya succeeds and makes progress we also share with you on that,” he said.

Mkapa and Kikwete, who represented Tanzania’s President John Magufuli, said Moi was a personal friend to them and he not only pushed for EAC integration, but also ensured there is peace and stability in the region.

Mkapa, who read Magufuli’s speech, said for the 10 years he was president, for seven years Moi was his mentor.

“The former president was a pan African, a great statesman and played a pivotal role in Kenya’s history, he will be remembered for his contribution to the revival of the East African Community (EAC). He played a role in promotion of peace and security and protecting the region’s and continental interests,” he said.

On the other hand, Zewde, who served as the Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (Unon), said Moi would be remembered for his role in the revitalisation of Igad and his role in South Sudan and Somalia.