By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
KENYA’S longest-serving president Daniel Arap Moi, whose rule was marred by corruption and torture of opponents, died yesterday, the office of the president said. He was 95.
There was no immediate explanation for Moi’s death, but he had been in and out of hospital with breathing problems in recent months.
Plaudits poured in from Kenyan politicians, but some of his victims were less forgiving.
“Our nation and our continent were immensely blessed by the dedication and service of the late … Moi, who spent almost his entire adult life serving Kenya and Africa,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement.
Moi died peacefully in hospital at 5.20 a.m. (0220 GMT), surrounded by his family, said his son Gideon Moi, a senator. He came to power in 1978, when he was serving as vice-president and the nation’s first leader President Jomo Kenyatta died. He remained in power until the end of 2002 when his constitutional term ran out. Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo Kenyatta, was Moi’s preferred successor but lost the election to the opposition. Uhuru Kenyatta became president in 2013.
He was credited for keeping Kenya relatively stable compared with its troubled neighbours, and he worked for peace in the region.
But he oversaw massive corruption scandals that are still costing Kenyan taxpayers. One scandal, Goldenberg, led to the loss of at least $1 billion in central bank money via compensation payments for bogus gold and diamond exports.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday described the late former Kenyan President as a stabilising factor in the history and politics of East Africa and the African continent.
He stated this in a condolence message he sent to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the people of Kenya.
Read Also: World leaders mourn Kenya’s ex-president Moi
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement, recalled the humble background of the late president and how he lived his life upholding the tenets of democracy.
“A frontline nationalist, who gave his best for his country’s development and was a key factor in the stability of the East African region and Africa in general.
“From a humble beginning (as a school teacher), the late Arap Moi became a politician, a committed democrat, was elected President, upheld the values of democracy and worked for its sustenance throughout his lifetime.”
The President noted that the longest serving President of the country voluntarily handed over to his successor in 2002 in an election having ruled the country since 1978, a feat that was uncommon at that time.
Buhari urged Kenyans to uphold the ideals of love, peace, progress, unity and loyalty that the late statesman stood for even as he called on other African leaders to emulate these virtues.
He prayed God Almighty to repose his soul and comfort family and friends as they mourn the departed statesman.
Leave a Reply