Former Kenyan President, Daniel arap Moi, died at the age of 95.Moi, the country’s longest-serving president, assumed post following the death of President Jomo Kenyatta. He was the third Vice President of Kenya from 1967 to 1978.Announcing his death, former President Uhuru Kenyatta said: “It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I announce the passing of a Great African Statesman, H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, the Second President of the Republic of Kenya.
Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi loved eating boiled green maize for breakfast accompanied by tea or porridge.
Despite the power in his hands and the stakes he controlled, the former strongman could also not take alcohol. He also made sure that those who worked around him while president could not drink in his presence.
The man who was a former shadow of himself in his last days was hailed for having a photographic memory. This was evident during his reign where he referred to Provincial Commissioners (PCs) and District Commissioners (DCs) by name. This he did without referring to any notes.
Famous Quotes of Daniel Arap Moi
1.When Moi disappeared from the public for a week, he made a surprise visit to Harambee House where he said, “Apana kueneza uvumi kila mahali. Eti hao wanasema Moi mgonjwa, mgonjwa wapi?”
The disappearance had made people think that Moi was sick but he was away from the limelight to strategise against the pressure by the IMF and the opposition voice which was hitting a crescendo.
Moi, the teacher who rose to become Kenya’s President when Jomo Kenyatta died on August 22, 1978, also knew a thing or two about spoilt eggs. He once said that if one is looking for good eggs, the best way to test them is by dipping them in water to see which ones would float. That way, the best eggs could be identified.
2.The mkulima nambari one said, “Ukitaka mayai safi, lazima utafute njia ya kuona kama ni mayai mazuri, tia ndani ya maji. Yale ambayo hayana uzito sawa yatatoka juu.”
3. I will be leaving to be an ordinary citizen. But those who will assume the leadership of this country I appeal to you not to bring Kenya to shame. Don’t anchor your politics on hate. If there is anyone who insulted me, I forgive him. If I said something that hurt you, forgive me
4. I announced in 1998 that I will retire when the current five-year term comes to an end but some people doubted this because they think that in Africa, people do not just relinquish the presidency. The real power is with the people and we are just their trustees. And that is why I keep telling those who are eyeing leadership of this country, please be principled. You cannot be jumping from one party to another. If you decide to join Kanu you must understand what Kanu stands for and why you are joining it.
