Moi’s art of ageing gracefully

By OYUNGA PALA

It is amazing that Madiba keeps going. Two months ago, the world press camped around a hospital like patient vultures waiting for the inevitable victim’s end.  Tribute clips were prepared some played accidentally, rumours traded back and forth, mashed with wild allegations, but Mandela simply refused to die.

When Mandela left hospital for specialised treatment back home, the world press was characteristically disappointed. Where is the story in an okay Madiba?

Behind the legend, is a simple illustration of an ordinary man just getting on with the business of living. Former president Moi shares some of those resilient traits. I ran into a picture of Muhammed Ali the greatest with the former president. Ali wore a dapper white suit spotting the perfect afro. Moi was in a flawlessly cut suit, wearing a big smile and clearly the one in awe. The telling thing about the picture was that Moi looked in better shape. 

It is his least celebrated quality. To somehow maintain an active life and health constitution, lucid mind is a lesson in healthy living. Almost 30 years later, and way into his 90s, former president Moi is a testament to the art of ageing gracefully. What’s his secret?