Kalonzo leads Azimio leaders in mourning June Moi

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka signs condolence book at the Kabarnet Gardens residence, Nairobi following the death of June Moi.

An aura of sadness engulfed Kabarnet Gardens, the residence of former President Daniel Arap Moi, as the family gathered to plan the burial of June Moi, who passed away on Thursday morning.

Guests from various walks of life, including political leaders, began arriving yesterday morning to mourn the loss of a woman described as a pillar of strength for the Moi family.

Leaders from the Azimio coalition, led by former Vice-President and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, arrived at Kabarnet Gardens mid-morning to pay their respects to the departed daughter of Kenya's second president. 

“The passing of our sister June Moi, hit us with a lot of surprise because we didn't know, that she was unwell," Said Kalonzo in his message of condolence to the family.

"I want to take this opportunity to pass our deepest condolences to the entire Moi family during this difficult time, and to give them assurances that we are with them, we stand with them,” 

Kalonzo was accompanied by Hon Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria among others. 

Kalonzo fondly recalled June’s liveliness and love for people while she was alive. 

“Our sister June was special, for those who knew her, they will remember her exuberance and the wonderful laughter and the ability to make everybody comfortable. We know it is very hard for this family, and indeed hard for the country,” he said. 

The usual serene ambience of Kabarnet Gardens was for a moment tinged with sorrow as preparations for the final farewell took center stage.  It was a somber yet busy day for the Moi family, with both young and old members present.

Heartfelt messages of sympathy filled the condolence book bearing testimony to the lives that June touched and the lessons she imparted.

"You taught me so much, I'll miss you June," read one of the messages. 

Another poignant message captured her enduring legacy. "Rest in peace June, your legacy lives on,"

June’s elder brother and former Rongai Member of Parliament, Raymond Moi reminisced about their close ties with June growing up. 

“June was much younger than me. I mean, much, much younger. But of course, being my sister, we had so much fun together, growing up. I remember when I had completed my studies in the US, she came to Boston, to pursue her undergraduate, then later proceeded to Canada for a Masters in Psychology. I have nothing but fond memories of her. So she was fun,” said Raymond. 

Despite being her senior, Raymond says he learnt valuable lesson in tolerance from his younger sister.

“June was tolerant. June loved everyone. June had no time to hate anyone. She did not have time to say, this is my enemy, hers was a big heart for people,” he added.

June's educational journey began at Nairobi Primary School, Kilimani, before she attended Kenya High School and Loreto Msongari, where she served as the captain of the hockey team.

She later pursued her studies at York University, Toronto, Canada earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1987. That was followed by a Master's degree in Psychology from Boston University in 1988.

Kalonzo took the opportunity to reflect on former President Moi's philosophy of peace, love, and unity, emphasizing its importance in creating and maintaining Kenya's cohesion.

 “Mzee Moi’ leadership taught us to love one another and that unity of purpose must be carried forward through generations,” he noted. 

June Moi died in the wee hours of Thursday morning at the age of 60 after a short illness. She leaves behind a daughter, Paula Jepkemboi.