The Kwale Governor, Salim Mvurya on Monday led residents in paying glowing tribute to late President Daniel arap Moi reckoning he was a leader committed to addressing the needs of the poor.
He said Moi was a visionary leader who improved upon the lives of Kenyans by launching development projects equitably across the country.
Retired President Moi who was in office for 24 years died on Tuesday last week aged 96 at Nairobi hospital following an illness plunging the country into mourning.
His death has prompted outpourings of grief from Kenyans of all walks of life as others have been trooping parliament buildings where the body of the former leader lies in state.
The late retired President Moi will be buried at his Kabarak home on Wednesday this week.
The condolence book is available at the county commissioner’s office where national and county government staffs have been trooping to record their condolences.
Mvurya who led a condolence signing ceremony outside the County Commissioner’s office on said Kenyans should unite and live in peace and harmony in memory of their long-serving second president.
The county boss said during his long reign Moi encouraged Kenyans to live in peace, love and unity.
He praised the late president for his tireless efforts to unite and develop the country at a time the African continent was largely experiencing political and security instabilities.
He said the country suffered little of the political chaos and ethnic strife characteristic of Kenya’s immediate neighbours due to his firm and visionary leadership.
“For example he will be fondly remembered for the school milk programme which ensured children from poor backgrounds flocked to schools” he said adding that the programme enhanced school attendance and general good health of young learners.
“Because of his philosophy of love for humanity Kenyans of all walks of life should be spreading love in his memory” he said adding that leaders should focus on the needs of the people above that of selfish interests.
Mvurya who was flanked by among others, the County Commissioner, Karugu Ngumo said national leaders should be spreading love as they focus on developing the country.
On his part, Ngumo said he was impressed by the high turnout in regard to the signing of the condolence book saying that Kenyans held the fallen leader in high esteem.
By Hussein Abdullahi
