Politicians have a lot to learn from Moi

By Susan Anyangu

Leaders are known for taking advantage of any available opportunity to comment on political issues.

Indeed, it is not uncommon for politicians to turn funerals, weddings and church services into arenas for hitting back at rivals — real and imagined.

However, former President Moi on Sunday chose not to speak politics when he attended a service at the Africa Inland Church Milimani in Nairobi.

Moi sat a few metres from the pulpit and quietly followed the sermon of the day, delivered by the Rev Justus Mutuku.

The only indication that the former President was present was his motorcade and the presence of security agents.

When the service ended, Moi walked out of church in the company of clergy and after conferring for a few minutes, he departed.

The presence of a battery of journalists did little to tempt him into speaking. Unlike other publicity-hungry politicians who have never seen a microphone they did not like, Moi simply waved at members of the Fourth Estate and drove off.

Perhaps politicians will learn that it does not hurt to stick to the agenda of the day and leave politics for another forum.