The late retired President Daniel Moi was not a perfect person and as a result made mistakes, according to Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The news of Mzee Moi’s demise was met with notable sorrow countrywide, although many termed the sombre mood as a distraction, leading Kenyans to forget the ills made during the Nyayo reign. Speaking during Mzee Moi’s requiem service at Nyayo stadium on Tuesday, Deputy President Ruto said Moi was a great statesman, a selfless leader and the father of the nation of Kenya.
He said his closeness to Moi showed a man who genuinely cared for the country, despite his mistakes, “President Moi, being human, was not perfect, but as a perosn who was very close to him during the last three years of his Presidency I can say without fear of contradiction that Moi was always genuine and that Moi always meant the best for Kenya and he always did his best.”
On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had unpleasant brushes with Mzee Moi’s government of the day, praised the contributions he made to Kenya and how he led the country during a period of transition. He noted that like other leaders, he had weaknesses, “During his leadership he made some mistakes and I was one of his victims,” said Raila, “But he was also forgiving like I’m forgiving and we made peace and we shook hands and worked together to bring this country a new constitution.” He said Moi should be remembered for the good things he did. The late President will be laid to rest at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County.