Twenty-one chiefs and their assistants in Baringo Central on Monday eulogised the late President Daniel arap Moi for exemplary leadership and accomplishments in the development of Kenya especially in the eradication of illicit brews.
Led by Ewalal Chapchap Chief, Patrick Kiprop, Thomas Chepyegon of Talai and Ngetmoi location’s, Wilson Kipsang, the chiefs described Moi as a firm and strong leader who stamped out retrogressive practices like overindulgence in traditional liquor by shutting down busaa clubs and regulating drinking time in licensed outlets.
The late retired President was strict about alcohol consumption which he stopped to allow people at grassroots levels engage in development activities to grow their household economies.
“We shall also remember him for initiating many development projects particularly in Baringo Central where he served as a member of parliament for more than 40 years,” they recalled,” the administrators said.
Speaking at the County Information Offices in Kabarnet, the chiefs paid tribute to the late Moi for being a God-fearing man who fronted the establishment of many churches in Baringo Central and beyond, learning institutions, colleges like Moi Teachers Training College (TTC), Baringo and improvement of the road network to bitumen standard thus opening up the region to the outside and connecting electricity to rural trading centres.
“During his tenure as Baringo Central MP and head of state, the area experienced tremendous socio-economic development ranging from modern schools, roads, water supply, electricity and expansion of churches,” the administrators narrated.
The chiefs who remembered the Moi regime with nostalgia, a time when chiefs used to be accorded exceptional respect as presidential representatives at the grassroot level while government directives and programmes registered success in implementation to the letter because of the Chief’s act in place then.
They said at this moment when Kenyans are paying their last respects to the late Moi they wish the family and relatives fortitude as they mourn and celebrate the life and time of their father and second president of the Republic of Kenya.
The late President Moi, the chiefs stated, will leave behind an unsurpassed legacy of uniting the people of Kenya during his 24 years in power through his Nyayo philosophy of peace, love and unity.
By Joshua Kibet/Mercy Mutwol
