President Uhuru Kenyatta will on Saturday 8th February this year at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi lead the Nation in viewing the body of the former President Daniel arap Moi and paying the last respects to him.
The President will arrive at Parliament Buildings at 10.15am, whereby all state officials who have been notified to be present will be required to be in the precincts of Parliament Buildings by 9.45 am.
Addressing a press conference at Harambee House today, the Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua who is also the Chairman of Inter-Ministerial Committee making preparations for the funeral said members of the public will be allowed to view the body on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 8.00 am to 5.00pm.
Dr. Kinyua who was flanked by the Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Principal Secretaries said the body of the late President will remain in Parliament Buildings for three days adding the former Head of State will be accorded full military ceremonial honours.
The honours will include conveyance of the body of the former President under escort in a Gun Carriage, accompanied by military musical honours and a 19 gun-salute.
The Head of Civil Service also announced that the former Head of State will be interred at his Kabarak home on Wednesday 12th February, 2020.
He announced that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior has declared Tuesday February 11th, 2020 a public holiday to enable every Kenyan participate in the celebrations
“On Tuesday 11th February 2020, the gun carriage and State funeral procession will make its way from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo Stadium, for the inter-denominational national memorial service,” added Kinyua.
He said the government is still receiving messages of condolences from foreign governments and is in the process of compiling the list of Heads of State, government and other foreign dignitaries attending the memorial service.
He encouraged Kenyans to participate in the state ceremony and take time to honour the memory and legacy of the late Mzee Moi by reflecting on ways that can create peace, love and unity in the nation.
“In remembering and honouring the late Mzee Moi, we encourage every Kenyan to plant a tree in his memory or undertake an act of benevolence for the needy members of our society,” he said.
Dr. Kinyua announced that the event will be broadcast live by all the national television and radio stations to allow Kenyans countrywide participate in giving the former Head of State a befitting send-off.
“Broadcasting screens will be mounted in designated public places in Nakuru, Sacho, Ravine and Kabarnet to accord the residents an opportunity to follow the memorial service and funeral proceedings,” said Dr. Kinyua.
Dr. Kinyua said condolence books have been opened at Harambee House, Supreme Court buildings, Parliamentary buildings, regional and county commissioners’ offices, Kenyan High Commissions, Embassies and missions abroad.
On behalf of President Uhuru Kenyatta, the government, steering Committee and all Kenyans, the Head of Public Service conveyed their condolences to the family and friends of the late Mzee Moi and prayed to God to guide and give them strength during this time of grief.
By Bernadette Khaduli
