10 presidents to attend memorial service as State makes final preparations

Uganda's Yoweri Museveni has confirmed he will attend Moi's burial.

At least 10 presidents are expected into the country for the burial of former president Daniel arap Moi.

Speaking yesterday at Moi's Kabarak home, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the country was prepared to host 10 foreign leaders.

"We are prepared to host the heads of state. We will get the confirmation today from the Foreign Affairs ministry," said Mr Kibicho.

Kibicho is part of a steering committee created by President Uhuru Kenyatta to work on the burial plans.

He noted that preparations at Kabarak were going on smoothly and that more than 30,000 people will be accommodated at Kabarak grounds.

He asked those attending the funeral to adhere to instructions from the security team.

“We are prepared to host over 30,000 people. We can assure the country that the plans are going on smoothly,” said Kibicho.

The committee organising the funeral said it still is compiling the list of those who will attend but by yesterday, 10 presidents, including Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Salva Kiir (South Sudan) have confirmed they will attend the event.

An unnamed representative of the Queen of England also confirmed his attendance.

Former Tanzanian presidents Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete will also be among dignitaries gracing the burial.

There will be a host of other foreign dignitaries, officials said

According to Kibicho, security will be tight at the Nyayo National Stadium where the funeral service will take place.

The stadium is being refurbished.

A team of State officials led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and his public works counterpart Gordon Kihalangwa visited Nyayo stadium on Saturday and yesterday to hasten the refurbishment.

President Kenyatta also visited the venue yesterday unexpectedly to inspect the ongoing repairs.

He did not issue a statement after his trip there. He drove himself in a G Wagon Mercedes Benz and was accompanied by a lean security team.

Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe was also present at the stadium.

Mr Kinyua said the Government continues to receive messages of condolence from foreign governments.

He noted that the burial committee is in the process of compiling names of heads of state and other foreign dignitaries who have indicated that they will attend the memorial service.

President Kenyatta will lead the nation in the memorial service.

After lying-in-state for three days, tomorrow the State funeral procession will make its way from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo Stadium.

The national memorial service, Kinyua said, will be an inter-denominational service which will be led by the Africa Inland Church (AIC).

The retired President will be accorded a State funeral with full civilian and military honours as per the law.

Kinyua announced tomorrow has been declared a public holiday in honour of Moi.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Interior, on the recommendations of the steering committee, has declared Tuesday, February 11, 2020, a public holiday for general observance throughout the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

Moi who died on Tuesday aged 95, will be buried at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County on Wednesday, February 12.

Kinyua said the Government encourages all Kenyans to participate in the state ceremonies.

He stressed that Kenyans should take time to honour the memory of Mzee Moi by reflecting on ways in which "each one of us can foster the wellness of our nation by creating a more peaceful, loving and united Kenya".

Condolence books are open for signing by citizens at Harambee House, Supreme Court Buildings, Parliamentary Buildings, all regional commissioners offices, all county commissioners offices and in Kenyan high commissions, embassies and missions abroad.

Kinyua said all arms of government are expected to participate in the ceremonies.

“Those events will be broadcast live by all our television and radio stations, a move that will ensure that Kenyans in every part of the republic will be able to take part in giving Mzee Moi a befitting send-off,” Kinyua said.

He added that in recognition of the special place Mzee Moi held in the hearts of the residents of Nakuru and Baringo counties, having directly represented them in Parliament for five decades, television screens will be mounted in designated public places in Nakuru, Sacho, Ravine and Karbenet so that residents can follow proceedings.