Kibaki Mourns the Death of His Predecessor Daniel Arap Moi

Retired President Mwai Kibaki has mourned the death of his predecessor Daniel Arap Moi, who died on Tuesday morning at Nairobi Hospital aged 95.

In a message of condolence to the family, Kibaki praised Moi for his legendary mastery at thwarting crises, adding that his ability to assert state authority saved Kenya from undergoing disruptions and long periods of civil unrest witnessed in other African nations.

“I have known Mzee Moi for decades and have worked with him for many years. I, therefore, have personal and nostalgic memories of Mzee Moi accruing from shared national platforms and responsibilities,” said Kibaki.

“Over time, I have had a chance to appreciate the best of Mzee Moi’s statesmanship and skillfulness in the conduct of statecraft both during the blissful and tumultuous moments that Kenya has traversed.” 

“With time, his mastery at thwarting crises became legendary as was his ability to assert state authority. That is largely how Kenya stabilized as a number of countries in the region and continent suffered disruptions and long periods of civil unrest.”

Kibaki further hailed Moi for the smooth handover of power in 2002, having ruled Kenya for 24 years.

“President Moi’s abiding charisma was best exhibited in 2002 when he oversaw an unprecedented smooth transition of power as he proceeded to his retirement. His willingness to readily usher the next Head of State remains a badge of honor on his leadership as well as statesmanship credentials,” noted Kibaki.

“He will be remembered for the numerous social enterprises—institutions of learning, healthcare centers included—that he extended his support to… His contribution to Kenya we all desire is also indelibly tattooed in the annals of our national history.”