Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta has paid glowing tribute to former president Toroitich Arap Moi as official state funeral ceremonies kick off the official state burial of Kenya’s second president.
President Kenyatta eulogized Mzee Moi as a great statesman, and a son of Kenya whose service and contribution to the country will never be forgotten.
“a great son of Kenya, a cherished brother, a loving father, a mentor to many, a father of our nation, a champion of Pan-Africanism.” Kenyatta hailed Moi.
Kenyatta, the first lady Margaret Kenyatta, and his deputy William Ruto were paying last respects to Moi at parliament buildings in Nairobi this morning.
Uhuru, who jetted in from the United States last night started by chairing an extra-ordinary meeting attended by Deputy president William Rut, cabinet secretaries and the funeral committee led by the head of public service Joseph Kinyua.
Moi who served Kenya as president for 24 years died on Tuesday at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 95.
“As the dark cloud hangs over our country, we are reminded of our collective indebtedness to this towering figure of our time. Our hearts are not only filled with gratitude for the 24 years that he served as our president, but for the over 55 years of dedicated public service to this republic” Kenyatta stated.
The body of the former president will lie in state in parliament for public viewing from today Saturday, 8th February to Monday, 10th February 2020 before it is taken to his home area of Kabarak, 220KM from Nairobi for burial.