Business in Kabarnet town, the headquarters of Baringo County on Wednesday came to a standstill when residents set aside their daily chores to converge outside the County Assembly to follow burial proceedings of the late retired President Daniel arap Moi.
The residents solemnly followed the service with rapt silence as they paid tribute and celebrated the life and times of the late president who selflessly served the people of Kenya and especially Baringo county where he was member of parliament of Baringo Central for over 40 years.
A giant public screen was mounted on the County Assembly wall in the streets of Kabarnet town for two days since Tuesday to allow residents to watch the burial ceremony of their leader.
To signify the importance of giving the late president a befitting send off, Baringo county government in a special notice by County Secretary, Francis Komen declared on Wednesday a public holiday to allow staff and workers in the devolved unit join other Kenyans in attending the burial ceremony of the late head of state at his Kabarak home.
The residents who spoke to KNA described Moi as a gallant son of the county who transformed the region in matters of development during his time as Baringo Central Member of Parliament and also as the second president of the Republic of Kenya.
Salina Kipkanai,a local resident, who managed to attend Moi’s memorial service at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday is thankful to the government for allowing them to pay tribute to the late president by putting up screens at strategic points across the county for Kenyans to follow the burial service of their beloved leader.
“During Moi’s time, he used to look out for women in the society to uplift them, brought development to the region and every pupil despite their background drank Nyayo milk which was nutritious. I urge our leaders to emulate Moi’s love for Kenyans, the country and commitment to public service work,” she said.
Nakuru County resident, Panyako also trooped to Kabarnet town at 6am to watch final salute of Moi being laid to rest.
“I am happy because here in Kabarnet there’s a big screen that airs all the proceedings live at Moi’s home in Kabarak. We feel as if we are actually there,” Panyako said.
The happy and jovial mourners started to swarm outside the County Assembly grounds as early as 5.45am to ensure they follow Moi’s final journey from Wilson airport to Kabarak for his final send off on earth.
By Mercy Mutwol/ Cleophas Kibiwott/Joshua Kibet
