The late Jonathan Toroitich will be laid to rest at his home in Kabimoi, Eldama Ravine, Baringo County today.
A requiem Mass for retired President Daniel Moi’s first-born son and Safari rally race will be conducted at the Kabarak University graduation square.
According to Kabarak University’s Vice chancellor Henry Kiplagat, who is chairing the burial committee, after the mass service, the body will then be taken to Kabimoi for interment.
Jonathan died on Saturday at a Nakuru hospital after battling cancer.
The journey to Kabarak began early in the morning after prayers at the Lee Funeral Home’s chapel. Jonathan’s body made a short journey to Wilson airport.
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Two light aircrafts – one carrying the body and another with the family took off for Kabarak airstrip.
At Kabarak airstrip, they were received by Jonathan’s sons and then made a 10-minute journey to Kabarak University graduation square.
The mass service has attracted over 10, 000 mourners.
A number of political leaders including William Ruto, James Orengo, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula are among the dignitaries attending the funeral.
Eulogy
Jonathan Moi has been eulogized as having an ‘understanding of rural life and its simplicity and the communal approach to life’s challenges’.
His eulogy was read by Capt (Rtd) Phillip K. Moi.
Jonathan’s wife Sylvia Moi in her tribute, said JT’s teaching and tough love, will guide them along the rough terrains of the life ahead.
“Our world will never be the same without you JT. You have been propelling force to our forward march of life. You slipped away so fast and so sudden and left us dumfounded. Questions are more than answers we can think of. We trust in our Lord to hold us together as we mourn your demise,” she said.
His son Wayne Kiprop Moi described him as a good man full of ambition, love and affection.
“To some he was a champion, to others he was a teacher. To me, he was a hero and source of strength and inspiration. He was a giant among men who could do no wrong,” his first son Clint Kiprono said.
Capping her tribute with a poem by Leanne Brady, her daughter Barbara Jebet said her father taught them a lot about what matters and just how to be happy.
Abridged version of Former President Moi tribute to Jonathan
I stand before you today, not as your former president but as a father who grieves the loss of his son.
I have lived a full life and only sadness is that my beloved son did not. No father should bury their child.
Jonathan from an earliest age was a man of the earth and it came as no surprise that later in life his two greatest passion were rallying and farming.
I would like to think his passion for farming came from me. But as for rallying I have no idea!
Jonathan was a gentle soul. He was a pure heart and had great sensitivity for the world around him. His down to earth manner had a way with people that made them feel comfortable around him and infected others to gravitate toward him.
I can picture our heavenly father rushing to great and hug his returning prodigal son, with Jonathan’s late mother, Lena, dancing with joy.
Dear son, I sincerely thank God for giving me a son like you. You were not perfect, and you made mistakes…but you were blood of my blood, and you had a great loving heart.
Stay well son until we meet again!
The man Jonathan Moi
Jonathan Moi was born on July 23, 1954.
He attended Timboiywo Primary School for Class One and Two before proceeding to St Joseph’s in Nakuru.
He went to Nairobi School before joining the University of Delaware in the US, where he graduated with BSc Agriculture.
He married Sylvia Cherotich on on August 24, 1984.
Started racing in Safari Rally in 1986 and retired in 1997 having won over 800 trophies, including being the Africa rally champion.
Tried his hand in politics in 2002 and 2007 when he vied for MP Eldama Ravine constituency.
