Kenyans have started lining up to view the body of former president Daniel arap Moi as it lies in state until Monday.
Many of them have thronged the country’s Parliament Buildings to view and pay their respects.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, government officials and leading politicians on Saturday viewed the remains of the former leader.
Kenyatta paid tribute saying Moi was a “tactful leader, who during the quest for a new constitutional order, listened and quietly chose what was best for the country.
A visionary leader who, in 2002, when his party – and, I as their candidate – lost the Presidential election, left office with a gracious last word of advice to those who, thereafter, took up the heavy responsibilities he had borne for a quarter of a century.”
1/4 President Uhuru Kenyatta today paid glowing tribute to former President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi as he kicked off the official state funeral ceremonies ahead of the burial of Kenya’s second President #FarewellMoi | @WilliamsRuto pic.twitter.com/Zxs5q3t2AM
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 8, 2020
He ended saying “We commit Mzee Moi’s Soul to the Almighty God, thanking the Creator for sending to us His Servant, whom after nearly a century of selfless and steadfast service, now rests in His Glory and his well-deserved reward.”
4/4 The President, who was accompanied by the Deputy President and other senior state officials, later proceeded to Parliament where he led the nation at the start of the three-day public viewing of the body of the former President #FarewellMoi | @WilliamsRuto pic.twitter.com/ZgjhnTsawg
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 8, 2020
President Daniel arap Moi who died at the age of 95 was Kenya’s longest serving president.
Moi who ruled Kenya for 24 years died on Monday after being in hospital for weeks.
The country is observing a period of national mourning until the day of his funeral.
