State declares Tuesday, February 11 public holiday

 

The Government has declared Tuesday, February 11, a public holiday for Kenyans to participate in the celebration of the life of former President Daniel arap Moi.

Hitherto, the holiday has been gazetted in a notice dated February 6.

Speaking at Harambee House, Nairobi on Thursday, the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, who doubles as the chair to steering committee planning Moi’s state funeral, said the holiday will be observed across the country.

“To enable every Kenyan participate in the celebration of the life of President Moi, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, on the recommendation of this Steering Committee, has declared Tuesday, February 11, 2020 a Public Holiday of general observance throughout the Republic of Kenya,” Kinyua said.

On the same day, a National Memorial Service for the former president Moi will be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

“The gun carriage and State Funeral Procession will make its way from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo Stadium, the venue of the National Memorial Service which will be an inter-denominational Service, led by the African Inland Church (AIC),” Kinyua said.

He detailed the events that will precede the interment ceremony.

President Uhuru Kenyatta who announced Moi’s death through a presidential Proclamation will on Saturday February 8, 2020 will lead the Nation in viewing of the body of the former President, as well as the paying of the last respects.

“The public viewing and the paying of last respects to the former Head of State and Government; the body of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi shall lie-in-State in Parliament from Saturday, February 8, 2020 to Monday, February 10, 2020,” Kinyua noted.

He reiterated that the former president will be accorded a full military ceremonial honours, which include, “Conveyance of the body of the former Head of State under escort in a Gun Carriage, accompanied by Military Musical Honours and a 19 Gun-salute”.

The ceremony could disrupt traffic on Nairobi roads as Solemn Procession is expected to use Valley Road, Kenyatta Avenue and Parliament Way.

Kinyua added that a Military Guard of Honour will be mounted on Parliament Road for the entry procession to Parliament.

Moi will be interred at his Kabarak home on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. 

Kinyua has urged Kenyans to participate in the State Ceremonies, and to also take time to honour the memory and legacy of the late Mzee Moi by reflecting on ways in which each can foster the wellness of the nation by creating a more peaceful, loving and united Kenya.