To his former Cabinet ministers, Moi was the best

Former Cabinet ministers who worked with former President Daniel Moi have said few could rival his way of handling matters of national security and politics.

Dalmas Otieno (pictured), Sam Ongeri, Ojwang' Kombudo, and Oloo Aringo had kind words for Moi, describing him as a 'real statesman'.

"Moi did not delegate matters touching on the national security of the country. He read and acted on Special Branch reports personally," said Mr Otieno.

The other three ex-ministers also revealed that the former president was so concerned about Kenyans' security and political matters that he gave them his undivided attention.

Otieno, in a candid interview with The Standard, narrated how Moi was briefed each morning by 8 am, adding that a phone call from the Head of State meant he was aware of what had happened in your own backyard and wanted answers or solutions.

The former Transport minister once experienced Moi's wrath when he was sacked as residents fought and died along the Migori-Gucha border.

The president was reportedly unhappy that Otieno, who hailed from the area, had not taken action to stop his constituents from fighting. Moi and Otieno later reconciled and he was appointed back to Cabinet. "This shows how kind and forgiving Moi was," said Otieno.

He recalled that Moi was committed to public service and would often stay in office until 6 pm to see as many people as possible.

"Where he had fears, he analysed several proposals in close consultation with line professionals and responded to them immediately to forestall crises," said Otieno.

This, he added, was evident when he convened the Inter-Party Parliamentary Group that gave birth to multi-party democracy. Otieno said Moi embraced cultural festivals because he loved music and was keen for it to be taught in schools to identify talented singers. "This is how he came up with the Presidential Music Commission."

The commission was chaired by Fred Ngala from Rangwe Constituency and currently a Director of Music at Kabarak University. The former ministers revealed how he and his colleagues from Nyanza used to hold caucuses to discuss matters affecting the region.

Moi, he said, relied on them to help him govern the region. The committee would sit from time to time and review issues on issues touching on Nyanza like the economy, security, employment issues, and even politics.

''We would sit discuss and advise Moi,'' Kombudo recalls. Moi wanted refined solutions and he would look at our suggestions and reject or implement.

Former Minister Onyango Midika who worked under Moi as the Minister for Regional Development said the former Head of State was nicknamed 'Wuod Odongo' by the late Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Ouko.

"Moi was a great leader. His good deeds outweighed his bad deeds. He ruled for 24 straight years because he took refuge in God. He was also very generous," said Midika.

Kombudo said Moi had a great vision for people of Nyanza despite massive opposition. "He brought Sondu -Miriu hydroelectric power project and made sure each location had access to piped water," said Kombudo, adding he also created 14 new locations up from three.