Wilson Leitich: Moi had a vision for a united Kenya

Former President Moi's aide Wilson Leitich, 82. He refuted claims that they used to chop off people's fingers during Moi's tenure: [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Former Nakuru Kanu chairman Wilson Leitich has described retired President Daniel Moi as a peace advocate whose vision was to see a united country devoid of ethnic divisions.

Mr Leitich said because of his friendship with Moi, he was always ready to defend him against critics out to scuttle his vision for a united country.

At one point, his bid to fend off critics got him in trouble with Moi after making controversial remarks in Nakuru.

The politician recalled that in the 1990s he got a tongue lashing from the former president following his remarks targeting leaders who were agitating for a return to multiparty politics.

“On my forehead is a permanent mark that I got during a confrontation between Kadu and Kanu supporters in Kericho. I was pained when some sought to reincarnate Kadu,” said Leitich.

Leitich was, however, categorical that the narrative of cutting people’s fingers was their (politicians) own creation to stop multiparty democracy, and not a directive from the former president.

He said Moi was angered by the move and sought clarification from the politicians, forcing Leitich to swallow his words.

“Moi asked me what I meant by chopping off fingers. I had to apologise since I had not consulted him. I came up with an explanation which he laughed off,” said Leitich. “I told him I meant that Kadu supporters (whose symbol was two fingers) should be told off and made to support Kanu (index finger) but not physically chopping off fingers.”

He also served as Nakuru Mayor and Nakuru County Council chairman during President Moi’s rule.

Leitich’s friendship with Moi dates back to 1964 when the two met at a rally in Kericho.

Moi invited him alongside some youths and elders to a meeting in Kabimoi, Baringo. The meeting agreed that they must be part of the government.

“We escorted Moi to Kenyatta’s home in Gatundu and told the president we wanted Moi to be part of the government. He promised to give Moi a job. The same year, Moi was appointed Minister for Home Affairs and later in 1967 promoted to vice president,” he said.

When Moi became president, he helped Leitich build his political career by appointing him the Kanu chairperson for Nakuru District.

“I was more like his errand boy. Whenever he heard a rumour or wanted to resolve a land issue, he would send me to handle it and report back to him,” he said.

Moi then nominated Leitich to the National Assembly for one term before he moved back to Nakuru as mayor and later the county council chairmanship.