Hundreds ferried from the Coast to attend Moi funeral

Coast Region Commissioner John Elungata during a press briefing in Kisumu. [Collins Oduor]

Dozens of residents from the Coast region yesterday left for Nairobi ahead of today’s memorial service in honour of former President Daniel arap Moi today.

Delegations of politicians, residents, security officials, the business community and friends of the family will join thousands of mourners today at Nyayo National Stadium for the service.

Coast Region Commissioner John Elungata said yesterday the Government provided six buses for each of the six counties of Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River and Mombasa. Some left in the morning while the second batch left in the evening.

“Mzee Moi initiated many development projects for coastal people. He called for unity among all. The Government has provided transport for free to those willing and the number is high,” said the regional boss, who flagged off the vehicles yesterday.

Security officers

Security officers were deployed in all the buses. Each ferried 60 passengers. 

Mr Elungata said residents of the counties remembered the former Head of State for the projects he initiated.

“Tana River residents remember Mzee Moi following famine that struck the area in the 1990s. Mzee ordered distribution of free food to all affected families and it has remained in their memories to date. In Kilifi, residents will remember Mzee Moi for building institutions and a cashew nuts factory 1993,” he said.

Elungata, who worked in Moi’s administration for 12 years starting from the rank of a district officer, eulogised him for uniting the country.

He said he studied for free through high school and university courtesy of scholarships by Moi's government.

“Out of the 35 students we were with in Baringo for Forms Five and Six, 26 of us went to various universities. I have worked under Mzee in various parts of the country, including Rift Valley, Nairobi and Eastern...,” said Elungata.

He said Moi remained committed to church.