The residents of Marsabit now have a chance to join other Kenyans in sending their messages of condolence to the family and friends of late former President Daniel Arap Moi at their county headquarters.
Launching the condolence book Saturday, county commissioner Evans Achoki also announced that the government would facilitate transport for residents from the county, who would wish to attend the national memorial Service in honour of the late president in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Achoki who witnessed scores of leaders and wananchi especially those who served during the KANU era like former parliamentary chief whip Jarso J. Falana said that free transport will be provided to those willing to attend the ceremony.
The County Commissioner asked those who may be interested to register with their respective deputy county commissioners, through their chiefs to enable his office work out on the travel logistics.
Speaking after signing the condolence book, many leaders and wananchi described the late presidents as the father of the nation who always promoted unity and stability.
Mr. Falana who was the chairman of the inter-parties parliamentary Group (IPPG) in 1997 said the former president made government service delivery to citizens more effective by taking it closure to them, through creation of more administrative units like sub-locations and the then districts.
The former MP for Saku said that Moi had a soft spot for Marsabit County and its people, because he engineered many development projects like the local Moi girls’ high school and appointing women into positions of leadership.
Falana added that the late former president would be greatly remembered for fostering unity and cohesion in the country saying Moi’s steadfast campaign against tribalism created an enabling environment for development.
It was during the late former president’s many trips to the countryside that the first ever woman chief in Eastern province Qulu Somo was appointed to head Nagayo location.
The serving senior chief who also eulogized the passing on of the former Kenyan second president when she registered her condolences by signing the comforts book said she was appointed to the post during a visit by Moi in the then Marsabit district in 1997.
A former assistant minister for information and broadcasting Elisha Godana said the former president touched the souls of many as he even paid school fees in support of needy children without discrimination.
Mr. Godana added that apart from Moi being a mentor to many in politics, he would also be greatly remembered for always ensuring that his government reflected the face of Kenya, which enabled him to foster unity among Kenyans.
The fallen icon was also described as a champion in the protection and conservation of the environment as he spearheaded tree planting initiatives and the construction of gabions to stem soil erosion.
By Sebastian Miriti
