Best maid recounts Lena, Moi wedding

Lily Settim (pictured), 85, followed proceedings at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi as leaders and locals paid last respects to former President Moi.

To her, Moi was so dear having grown up together.

She recounted that she was one of the young girls approached by the late Lena to be part of the bridal party during her wedding to Moi in 1950.

The former president's wife taught them Christian values at a mission Centre in Eldama Ravine.

“I knew Lena at a Mission Centre, she was our teacher. She wanted to wed and chose me and others to be her best maids,” Ms Settim said.

The wedding was conducted by Rev Erik Barnett at the African Inland Church Mission in Eldama Ravine.

Moi’s longtime friend Francis Cherogony, was the best man.

Before the wedding, Settim said a pre-wedding was conducted after several visits by Moi to Lena’s home.

She explained that the ceremony was unique as Lena wore a wedding gown unlike other local women who put on a white dress and a white headscarf.

Missing at the event

Barnett, a missionary who was close to Moi, provided the wedding gown.

“It was a modern wedding, Lena was dressed in a wedding gown, people were however shocked and described it as a long dress,” she said.

What however was missing at the event were cameramen to record the memories.

Settim described Moi as a humble man who never missed going to churchchurch.

She said his death was a big blow not only to Kenya but the world at large.

Settim eulogised the former president as a true statesman.