Mombasa residents on Monday eulogised the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi as a statesman who was deeply engraved in serving the interest of the Kenyan citizens.
They described the late leader as a “unifying figure” who positioned Kenya as an island of political stability in Africa” at a time when the country was surrounded by countries at war.
His demise was announced by President Uhuru on Tuesday February 4, 2020, he died at Nairobi Hospital.
Moi was Kenya’s longest-serving president. He was in office for 24 years, until intense pressure forced him to step down in 2002.
The Mombasa Women leader and a political activist, Janet Jawambe praised Moi for the introduction of local car manufacturing assembly and focus on improving the health of schoolchildren through school milk programme. In the 1980s and 1990s, the ministry of education distributed free packets of milk to all primary schools, targeting children under the age of 13.
Ms. Jawambe who was a KANU women brigade in 1979 says Moi always advocated for politics of unity.
The grassroots leader is of opinion Moi as a former head of state shouldn’t be buried in a private farm but in a public place where anyone can visit the grave anytime and as a way of preserving his political history.
Mohamed Salim Tenge who is a jubilee grassroot leader eulogised Moi as a leader who was able to steer the country’s economy, and urged leaders to shun away divisive politics and emulate Moi politics of unity.
Maur Bwanamaka,Chama Cha Uzalendo Chairman says he knew Moi through his political career climbing up the political ladder, descring him as a diligent leader who pacified any political challenge.
Maur says Moi was a devoted Christian who never missed church service on Sundays. He says Moi was loved and loathed in equal measure; Kenyans will mourn him as a patriot and a consummate politician.
The political leader who also doubles as girl child rights crusader said during the 24 years rule of Kenya under the mantle of the late president Moi there was peace and stability in the country.
Ms. Zamzam Mohamed a Mombasa women leader noted that the late president introduced free Primary education where schools were equipped with learning materials and also free milk feeding programme to school pupils was introduced.
She said the Nyayo milk programme increased school enrolment and retention in schools, saying Moi’s love for education was legendary.
Esther Oremo, a youth from Mombasa says during Moi era there was no political hostility among political leaders.
By Joseph Kamolo