Family and friends converged at former President Daniel arap Moi's home in Kabarak, Nakuru County, to mark the fourth anniversary of his passing.
They paid homage to a statesman whose life, they said, inspired unity, spirituality and love.
“Today, we are celebrating the life of a man we would all like to emulate. The life of a patient man who could persevere even under extreme pressure, a virtue that many people do not have,” Raymond Moi said.
They remembered Moi not only as a statesman but also as a devoted soul who found solace and inspiration within the church.
"It was within the walls of the church that President Moi found solace, strength, and wisdom, as he navigated the treacherous path of leadership," Rev Justus Mutuku, the acting Provost, Kabarak University said.
The congregants sang hymns that Moi cherished.
“We are performing renditions of the songs he liked the most. It gives us pleasure and peace to share moments like these and celebrate the life of a man who lived his life well,” Prof Fredrick Ngala of Kabarak University said.
As the family and friends journeyed through solemn moments of reflection, President Moi’s unyielding devotion to weaving threads of inclusivity that transcended tribe, race, and creed to pull together the diverse fabric of a nation into a seamless whole took centre stage.
They painted memories of an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, reminiscing about the countless times they had witnessed his boundless love and compassion.
"I lost my father earlier in life, and Moi played that role. In him was my father-in-law and a great father. We would spend time chatting about many things. He made everything look so easy, and when he left, things became different, but such memories and love within the family he left behind gives us comfort," Sylvia Moi said.
They remembered how he always acted as a guiding light, leading by example.
"He taught us how to worship and praise God. Every day, we try to live by the ethics and pieces of advice he gave us. We are walking by the light he ignited," Sylvia added.
Although his political life was not a smooth ride, his family and friends remembered how his dedication made him navigate the obstacles.
"Even the very people who were his greatest opponents are now his greatest supporters because of the way he handled things, even in the toughest of times. And today, we are gathered to celebrate the life of a man we all admired, the life of a man we all would like to emulate," Raymond added.
As memories weaved through the corridors of their minds, the family recalled a significant aspect of President Moi's legacy; his passion for education.
They remembered how he had poured his heart and soul into building schools all over the country as part of his deep-rooted belief that education was the key to unlocking a brighter future for every child in Kenya.
"He traversed every part of this country to make sure there were schools. He mobilised and put resources for the construction of the many schools that have moulded many Kenyan children today," Philip Korir, a relative, said.
