Daniel Moi gets send-off for an ex Commander-In-Chief

Military giving 19- gun-salute during Former President Daniel Arap Moi’s funeral at his Kabarak home. [Edward Kiplimo/Standard]

Former president Daniel arap Moi was buried at his Kabarak home in accordance with military traditions as the ex-commander-in-chief.

The military played the ‘Last Post,’ a haunting song that was first played in 1862 during the American Civil war -when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.

In accordance with the military traditions, the ten pallbearers who were full colonels also laid a wreath on his grave.

The white and red, Mzee Moi's favourite colours themed the gravesite with a red carpet with bouquets and wreaths of white, cream and red.

Black and white dress code ran the show with emotions almost untold-calm and composed, stoic with valour. It was a life worth celebrating. A life fully lived as a brave, caring gallant father, grandfather and a great grandfather.

Timeline of send-off

4:10pm: The casket bearing the body of Mzee Moi snaked its way into his final resting place beside his wife Lena Moi.

4:15pm: The casket was placed on top of the grave. A hymn, "Naona Raha Moyoni", steered by Dr Fred Ngala of Kabarak University came on.

Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka, National assembly speaker Justin Muturi and Chief Justice David Maraga eulogised the Godly man they said knew the source of power.

"Mzee Moi knew the source of power, wherever he was involved in something important, he sought the help of God," he said.

4:22pm: The first gun salute was fired, immediately ushering journey to eternity- the casket was lowered.

The blasting 19-gun salute was closely followed in by a military performance called ‘A missing Man Formation’. This entails three aircrafts flying past the funeral grounds to salute the fallen former Head of State.

4:30pm: Retired AIC Bishop Silas Yego blessed the soil upon which he called on family members to inter their kin and leader. President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and other political leaders joined in followed by close family members and friends.

4:50pm: The grave was covered with marble. Wreaths were finally laid as the hymn, I stand amazed played in the background.

The wreaths were laid by family members, followed by President Uhuru and wife Margaret who laid cream and red flowers.

And as the ceremony came to a close, Mzee's most favorite hymn went on- Forever with the Lord.

The hymn, as he had wished, wrapped the already calm and composed day as a slow-blowing breeze whisked the heaps of wreath under which Nyayo lay with his synonymous authoritative voice.

But with the family, remained a flag that was handed to Moi's eldest son Raymond, a flag which Moi's coffin had been wrapped on to symbolise the philosophical love, peace and unity.

Senator Gideon Moi acknowledged the role the military played in the burial of his father, saying it was befitting to him as their ex-commander in chief.

"As a family, we are extremely and totally humbled by the honor bestowed upon our father. We are grateful to the military and their commanders for the honor," Gideon said as he gave a moving vote of thanks.

During his burial, he received a 19-gun-salute which is slightly lower than that accorded to a sitting or a visiting Head of State set at 21.

The gun salute that lasted a minute was done in honour of the departed former commander-in Chief of the armed forces. According to the military, the honor is performed to either a well-known military service member, a veteran or a well-known political figure.

At least ten military officers stood on guard at the gravesite during the burial as an indication of respect for their former Commander-In-Chief.