SPEECH: Mwai Kibaki's tribute to Daniel Moi

Kenya's third President Mwai Kibaki has given a glowing tribute to his predecessor retired President Daniel arap Moi.

Below is Kibaki's tribute that was read by Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi during the memorial service that was held at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, February 11. 

I have learned of the passing on of my predecessor, His Excellency Daniel Moi with a profound sense of loss.

 I take this opportunity to relay my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mzee Moi and Kenyans wherever they are. May the Almighty God grant Mzee’s family the fortitude to endure the loss and courage to face the future fully emboldened by the counsel of a worthy patriarch.

I have known Mzee Moi for decades and have worked with him for many years. I therefore have personal and nostalgic memories of Mzee Moi accruing from shared national platforms and responsibilities.

Over time, I have had a chance to appreciate the best of Mzee Moi’s statesmanship and skillfulness in the conduct of statecraft both during the blissful and tumultuous moments that Kenya has traversed. With time, his mastery at thwarting crises became legendary as was his ability to assert state authority. That is largely how Kenya stabilized as a number of countries in the region and continent suffered disruptions and long periods of civil unrest.

Mzee Moi will be remembered for his long public service spanning decades, first as an educationist and then political leader – not just a politician. As early as 1955 when he was elected Member of the Legislative Council representing the Rift Valley up till 1960 when he and the late Ronald Ngala founded the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), Moi was instrumental in the establishment of the political foundations of independent Kenya.

As the political atmosphere in Kenya progressively underwent transformation, so did President Moi. To his credit, it is during his tenure as Head of State when political pluralism was reinstated in Kenya. Clearly, the return of multipartyism has opened up Kenya’s democratic space in ways hitherto unimagined.

President Moi’s abiding charisma was best exhibited in 2002 when he oversaw an unprecedented smooth transition of power as he proceeded to his retirement. His willingness to readily usher the next Head of State remains a badge of honour on his leadership as well as statesmanship credentials.

All his life, both in office and thereafter, as far as his health permitted Moi remained a servant and a man of the people. He will be remembered for the numerous social enterprises—institutions of learning, healthcare centres included—that he extended his support to.

Daniel arap Moi’s legacy is deeply etched in the unfolding memoir of our nation. His contribution to the Kenya we all desire is also indelibly tattooed in the annals of our national history.

May the late Daniel Toroitich arap Moi rest in peace.