World leaders have sent their condolences to the family of former Kenyan president Daniel Toroitich arap Moi after his demise early on Tuesday.
Moi was Kenya’s longest serving head of state, having held power for 24 years, from 22 August 1978 to 30 December 2002.
Moi’s death was announced by the Kenyan Presidency, which hailed his peaceful transfer of power in 2002, terming it a “rare occurrence in Africa and one which set an example that has been emulated across the Continent and beyond ever since.”
He was 95 at the time of his death.
“As a leading figure in the Struggle for Kenya’s Independence, and an ardent Pan-Africanist; the Late Mzee Moi’s Legacy undoubtedly positions him as one of Africa’s Greatest, a Man who made his Nation and the Continent immeasurably better,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Kenyan vice president William Ruto hailed the former president for his service to the East African nation and urged all citizens to draw inspiration from his life.
“Mzee Moi’s life and service is an undeniable legacy of success against daunting odds. It is also a challenge to our generation to rise up to the great responsibility of serious nation building, to have courage to face our challenges without blinking, and to use his fine example to take Kenya forward,” Ruto said in a statement.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined Kenyans in mourning Moi’s death.
“I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of former Kenyan President H.E. Daniel arap Moi who passed away today. May his soul Rest In Peace,” PM Abiy said.
I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of former Kenyan President H.E. Daniel arap Moi who passed away today. May his soul Rest In Peace.
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) February 4, 2020
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also sent his condolences, hailing Moi as an East African icon.
“He was an active East African. He supported the East African Community & its integration. Him, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi & myself revived what had become the defunct EAC. My condolences & that of Ugandans to H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, the Moi family and all Kenyans on the passing of this icon,” President Museveni said.
He was an active East African. He supported the East African Community & its integration. Him, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi & myself revived what had become the defunct EAC. My condolences & that of Ugandans to H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, the Moi family and all Kenyans on the passing of this icon. pic.twitter.com/RnIDjU5dT9
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) February 4, 2020
Tanzanian President John Magufuli also sent his condolences, saying Moi was a vital figure in the building of strong relations between Kenya and Tanzania.
“On behalf of the government and people of Tanzania, I condole with President Uhuru Kenyatta and all Kenyans on the death of retired President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi. Tanzanians will remember him for his strong leadership, efforts to strengthen our relationship with Kenya and revive the East African Community,” President Magufuli said.
Kwa niaba ya Serikali na Watanzania nakupa pole Mhe.Rais Uhuru Kenyatta na Wakenya wote kwa kuondokewa na Rais Mstaafu Daniel Toroitich arap Moi. Watanzania tutamkumbuka kwa uongozi wake mahiri, jitihada za kuimarisha uhusiano wetu na Kenya na kufufua Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki.
— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) February 4, 2020
