Kenya woke up to shocking news of the demise of the country's second President, Daniel Arap Moi, on Tuesday, February 3.
Condolences came in from across the world even as President Uhuru Kenyatta declared a period of national mourning until the day of his funeral.
"Our nation and our continent were immensely blessed by the dedication and service of the late Mzee Moi; who spent almost his entire adult life serving Kenya and Africa in a number of capacities.
"The late Mzee Moi served us as an educator, a teacher, a legislator, Member of Parliament, a Cabinet minister, the vice-president and finally as the president of the Republic of Kenya," Uhuru's statement read in part.
Among those who sent their messages of condolence was the United Kingdom through the High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott.
"I am saddened to learn of the death of the former President of Kenya, H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi. On behalf of the British Government, I wish to extend my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and the people of Kenya," Marriott shared on social media.
United States Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter also shared a video in which he delivered his message of condolence.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya and to the family and friends of former President Daniel Arap Moi upon his passing. As a friend and partner of Kenya for over 55 years, the United States stands with Kenyans during this time of mourning," he asserted.
The United Nations also mourned Moi's death with Regional Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee sending a message.
"On behalf of UN Kenya our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya and to the family of H.E Daniel arap Moi, the former President of Kenya. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace," he wrote on Twitter.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condoled with Moi's family as he recalled his early meetings with Moi, describing Moi as 'a real East African'.
"He was a very active East African. He really supported East African Unity, he would offer support to East African Federation.
"And when we signed the treaty for East African Cooperation we were three of us; it was me, Moi and Mwinyi of Tanzania...Mzee Moi was one of the most outspoken supporters of the East African Federation," he reminisced.
Several leaders from across the political divide also condoled with Moi's family following the former President's passing.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga hailed Moi for his commitment to a united Kenya, noting he inherited a polarized political scene when he took over in 1978.
"To his credit, President Moi gave in to the clamour for change and allowed the country to return to multiparty politics. He was constantly able to ease pressure in the country through incremental reforms," Raila noted.
"I have learned with a deep sense of loss of the passing on of Retired President Daniel Arap Moi. He was a devout Christian, father figure, an African icon and an astute politician. My deepest condolences to my brother Gideon, the entire Moi family and the nation of Kenya," wrote Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka who once served as Moi's Vice-President.
"My condolences to my friend Gideon & to the Moi family & the good people of Baringo ya Kati. When someone passes away, we all mourn but it is the family that is hit the most. I will always treasure the advice from President Moi. He once told me, “Chunga watu wa Machakos vizuri,” shared Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.
"It’s with great sadness to learn of the passing on of Kenya's second President, Mzee Daniel Toroitich arap Moi while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. The death of Mzee Moi is a devastating loss to the country, the African Continent and the entire world," wrote Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
"We shall forever be grateful for his efforts towards peace in the region, his love for education & his role in a peaceful transition of leadership in Kenya. There is a lot my generation can emulate from this. Thank you all and may the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace," wrote Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
"I remember former President Daniel Arap Moi as a statesman who provided leadership to ensure peace and harmony in our great country. We also remember him for his magnanimity when he graciously gave way for the advent of multiparty democracy," Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu shared.
"In President Daniel Arap Moi, we mourn the passing on of a distinguished son of Kenya and a great African icon whose passion for the renaissance of the East African Community is unmatched," wrote National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
"My condolences to the family and friends of the late Rtd President Moi on his passing on. His greatest gift to kenya’s nascent democracy was the peaceful handover of power after the 2002 elections, a tradition we must maintain," shared Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
"Rest In Peace Mzee Moi. Your contribution to love, peace and unity are unrivaled. Your patriotism and love for Kenya is unmatched. Your discipline, punctuality unchallenged. The music has ended but the melody lingers on," Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior wrote.
"You touched my childhood, spicing it with maziwa ya nyayo and stirring nationalist music; defined my education and character with 8.4.4 ideals and work ethic; epitomised [the] true meaning of servant leadership. Forever a father of our nation, a fine son of Africa. Rest well Kugo," Foreign Affairs Cabinet Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba wrote.
"Growing up and coming of age in the Kenya of H.E Daniel Arap Moi remains a unique experience for my generation. President Moi was a compromise of a tumultuous time. I join fellow Kenyans in passing a message of comfort to the Moi family during this time of great grief," noted Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
In a statement, the Council of Governors wrote: "The country has lost a prodigious leader who had a great vision of development and progress and will be remembered for his infamous quote 'Na hiyo yote ni maendeleo'."
More to follow...
