President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans to celebrate the life of retired president Daniel arap Moi in a National Prayer Service at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, February 11 in an event which witnessed emotional tributes and scuffles too.
In this live blog, Kenyans.co.ke kept you updated on the proceedings of the event.
1:48 p.m.: The event ends as Moi's body is taken back to Lee Funeral home.
1:27 P.M.: President Uhuru Kenyatta recalled Moi's passion for education and his journey from a teacher to a president.
On Tuesday, 4th February 2020, while on transit abroad, it became my sad duty to announce to the Nation, the passing on of the Second President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi.
Immediately upon receiving the news, I, like millions of Kenyans, was engulfed with a sense of sadness and loss. With a heavy heart, I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks to our Almighty God, for the life of President Moi.
For today, we stand tall on the strong shoulders of our forefathers. Mzee Moi’s place among those who dreamt of modern Kenya is unshakeable. Yes, even as we celebrate his life, the story must be told. Fellow Kenyans, today, I choose not to mourn the passing on of an icon, but rather to celebrate a Statesman and a giant of history.
1:16 p.m.: President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) recalls Mzee Moi's administration, as the crowd cheers him on to speak.
"In Africa, a leader is like a doctor. If he does not notice a country's illness then he won't heal it. In Kenya, you have enjoyed peace because of your leaders. Mzee Moi and first President Jomo Kenyatta came up with solutions that healed Kenya and East Africa, like patriotism. Do you remember the days of KADU and KANU. I know you don't remember as you were young," Museveni asserted as the audience broke into laughter.
"Moi quitted KADU to join KANU and by this, Kenyans demonstrated perseverance. That's one character I saw in Moi. He also loved East Africa and during our many visits, he wanted an East Africa Federation. Even emotionally, he loved East Africa. He was also a peacemaker. I remember when the two of us differed and he locked us from accessing the border. However, we reconciled. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace," Museveni stated.
1:12 p.m.: Rwandan President Paul Kagame states that his country mourns with Kenya and that the two countries will always maintain their relationship.
"We mourn one of the Galant leaders of this nation and may God accord him eternal peace," Kagame stated.
1:00 p.m.: South Sudan President Salva Kiir eulogises Moi. Gideon had earlier stated that Mzee Moi had a soft spot for Kiir, as the two presidents were close friends.
"We came for South Sudan to mourn Moi who we consider the hero of our independence and freedom. The people of South Sudan are heavily touched by the death of Moi, a symbol of peace in our region. We remember him for two things. He was one of the initiators of our peace agreement in 2005," Kiir stated.
12:40 a.m.: Kenyatta invites former President's Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa (both from Tanzania) to speak. Mkapa reads a message from Tanzania president John Pombe Magufuli who eulogises Moi.
12:35 a.m.: DP Ruto heaps praise on Moi's leadership and invites President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the nation.
12:30 a.m.: Raila Odinga praises Mzee Moi and insists Kenyans should remember him for the good things he did. Odinga urged Kenyans to support BBI as a way of supporting inclusion in Kenya.
12:20 a.m.: Citizen TV reports that Man heckles Gideon Moi as he eulogises father. Officers arrest and manhandle him on the way out of the stadium [VIDEO below].
12:14 a.m.: Gideon Moi lauds Kenyans led by President Uhuru Kenyatta for standing with the family and for the latter, ensuring that Moi was given a befitting send-off. He also appreciated Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni and South Sudan President Salva Kiir for checking on Moi's health constantly when he was alive.
11:18 a.m.: Raymond Moi reads his father's eulogy.
11:10 a.m.: Details emerge of protests arising over Moi's burial plans. K24 Digital reports that truck drivers from the North Rift region and neighbouring countries lamented that the move to close the Eldoret-Malaba Highway for over 31 hours would be a major disruption to their services.
They urged the government to allow them to operate during the night hours.
"I will be forced to spend extra money for the two days I will be idle," one Ugandan driver Emmanuel Mboko lamented.
This was after Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai stated that traffic along Nairobi-Malaba Highway will be disrupted between Nairobi and Eldoret on both February 11 and 12.
IG Mutyambai urged all road users to adhere to the Highway Code to avoid inconveniences.
10:40 a.m.: Reports surface that President Paul Kagame's security detail was manhandled at the event.
10:15 a.m.: Moi's body arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
10:10 a.m.: Among the guests at the event are Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Former Tanzanian Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa and dignitaries from Ethiopia, Malawi, South Sudan, Ireland and the UK.
9:59 a.m.: President Uhuru Kenyatta's convoy leaves State House for Nyayo as Rwanda President Paul Kagame arrives at the venue.
Kenyatta will receive Moi's body at Nyayo upon arrival.
9: 50 a.m.: AU envoy Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto arrive at the venue.
9:30 a.m.: Moi's body leaves State-House for Nyayo, via Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway.
9:00 a.m.: Mzee Moi's body arrives at State House for last send-off. President Uhuru Kenyatta receives the body.
Moi had issued key instructions on how his funeral would be conducted. A report published by People Daily on Tuesday, February 11, stated that
He focused solely on the specifications of his casket, which is worth approximately Ksh 600,000
"He insisted that the casket should be made of hardwood, preferably from the mvule tree. He wanted a modest but decent casket," a source informed the outlet.
The former president also insisted on being buried within a week.
The report further detailed that Rongai MP Raymond Moi and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi chose the casket at Premium Casket Dealers at the Lee Funeral home.
The dark brown casket contains some materials imported from the United Kingdom, including gold plating.
It also contains a swing bar handle, adjustable bed, turnstyle corners and crafted detailed finishing are some of the add-on features.
8:00 a.m.: Kenyans are given branded caps upon arrival at Nyayo Stadium Stadium and gates have now been closed to members of the public.
8:00 a.m.: Preparations to have Moi's body leave Lee Funeral commence.
7:40 a.m.: The military gun carriage arrives at Nyayo ahead of Moi's funeral mass
7:00 a.m.: KTN reports that Mzee's body may head to State House first before being taken to Nyayo Stadium.
6:00 a.m.: Organisers continue arranging the seats as journalists stream in for coverage.
1:00 a.m.: Kenyans start streaming into Nyayo Stadium, defy the cold to celebrate Moi.
A section of Nairobi roads will be closed on Tuesday, February 11, for the funeral service of Mzee Moi.
Uhuru Highway, Bunyala Road as well as Valley Road are among the roads that will be closed to ease movement and give the late former president a befitting send-off.
At least 10 heads of state are expected to attend the burial of former President Daniel arap Moi at his Kabarak home on Wednesday, February 12.
Over 200,000 Kenyans viewed Moi's body at Parliament Buildings for three days, Saturday, February 8 to Monday, February 10.
Here are a number of reports aligned with Moi's requiem mass
LIVE BLOG: Moi's Body Open for Public Viewing [VIDEO]
Govt Changes Tune After Journalists Uproar in Moi Coverage
Famous Ritual Raila Performed on Moi's Body [VIDEO]
Busy Roads to Be Closed for Moi Funeral
10 Presidents to Send Off Moi in Grand Ceremony
VIDEO: Citizen TV
