A directive by the Inspector General of police Japhet Koome which saw the security of former heads of states scaled down hit the family of the Late Retired President Daniel Moi.
The family which was marking his third anniversary on Saturday, February 4, was surprised following the withdrawal of some of the officers guarding the home at Kabarak, Nakuru County.
Speaking to the media, a source from the family stated that the only officers available were those who were guarding the tomb where the late was laid to rest.
The family noted that they would onward be required to spend much on hiring private guards to secure Moi's vast property.
“The family has always had tight security from the State but today, only four officers have been left to guard the tomb where Mzee Moi’s body lies because it is part of a national heritage.
The family will now be forced to dig deep into their pockets to hire private guards to watch over its expansive property including the Kabarak Airstrip,” he noted.
He added that not only was the family home affected but also all that was owned by the late Moi.
“The GSU officers that were permanently stationed at strategic positions around the farm, including the entrance to Kabarak University and Moi High School Kabarak, have been recalled,” he added.
The Moi family is associated with Sielei Properties Ltd, Chester House, Mugoya construction, Regent Management (believed to be about 200 houses), Paradise Holdings, Homestead Enterprises , Gateway Properties and Courtyard Property Investment.
The family also owns homes in Lavington House, Karen Residence, Nakuru Residence. It owns several unidentified properties in the United States of America and has property interests in South Africa.
It also owns Nairobi-based Sunshine National School, Kabarak University and Kabarak High School, Sacho High School, Moi Educational Centre and the Moi Africa Institute Kabarnet Gardens.
Retired AIC bishop Silas Yego, who presided over the event which was attended by only close family members called as they would get all that had been taken from them.
“Everything is yours because Moi laid the foundation, nobody else can help you, pray alone. Here in Kenya, some people are making money by cheating people that I will come and pray for you. All of us fall astray sometimes but it is good to return.
If we want to get the blessings of the late Moi let us remember where we went astray. Don't be afraid and turn to God, all that was taken from you will return,” he challenged the attendees.
The late Moi enjoyed at least 30 office and home staff, including two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, four drivers and up to six security guards but their number had significantly reduced after his death.
Commenting on the withdrawal of officers from former president Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, February 3, IG Koome confirmed that the changes were part of a restructuring process within the National Police Service (NPS).
"Once the president has retired, the commander is a superintendent of police. An officer who was of the rank of an assistant Inspector General was with the retired president. So how do you expect an assistant Inspector General to report to another assistant Inspector General," he uttered.
According to the Presidential Retirement Act of 2003, former heads of state ought to be given a maximum of six officers for their escort to protect them daily.
However, there is no provision in the Constitution for police officers to guard the property of a former President who dies after retirement.
