Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who is the youngest son of late Head of State Daniel Arap Moi, has revealed that his father died peacefully at around 5.20 am Tuesday.
Speaking at Lee Funeral home, Gideon stated that the family had “accepted” the calling of his father home.
“…we have accepted. But mine is just to give my heartfelt gratitude to Kenyans.. thank you and may God bless you…” he said.
He was accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and other state officers.
By the time of going to press, the body of Moi was yet to arrive at Lee Funeral home where it will be preserved awaiting his burial.
Read: Former President Moi Has Passed On – President Uhuru Announces
Security has, however, been beefed up in preparation for the arrival.
The former head of state will be accorded a State Funeral, with all appropriate Civilian and Full Military Honours being rendered and observed.
Moi’s death was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier on Tuesday morning.
“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. His Excellency the Former President passed on at the Nairobi Hospital on the early morning of this 4th February 2020; in the presence of his family,” President Kenyatta said in a statement.
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“His Legacy endures in Kenya even to this day, encapsulated in the Nyayo Philosophy of ‘Peace, Love and Unity’ that was his mantra throughout his tenure as our Head of State and Government.”
He ordered that the nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until the day of his funeral.
The Flag of the Republic of Kenya shall also be flown at half-mast at State House, State Lodges, all Public Buildings and Public Grounds, all Military Bases, Posts and Stations, on all Naval Vessels of the Republic of Kenya, and however elsewhere throughout the Republic of Kenya; from dawn on February 4, 2020, Until sunset on the day of the burial.
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“Kenya’s national flag shall be flown at half-mast for the same length of time at all High Commissions, Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Offices and other facilities of the Republic of Kenya abroad,” ordered the President.
Moi, who ruled for 24 years, assumed to the Presidency in 1978 following the death of Kenya’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
He was succeeded by retired President Mwai Kibaki in 2002.
Moi’s reign, according to critics, was characterised by dictatorship — punishing those who were opposed to him.
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In 1982, there was an attempt by a group of Kenya Airforce soldiers to overthrow Moi.
Leading the defiant group was Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka and Sergeant Pancras Oteyo Okumu.
Ochuka ruled Kenya for about six hours before escaping to Tanzania. He was later extradited back to Kenya, tried and found guilty of leading the coup attempt and hanged in 1987.
Also implicated in the coup attempt was Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a former Vice-President to Jomo Kenyatta, and his son Raila Odinga, the current ODM leader.
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