Late Senator Kalya was servant leader, says Moi

Former President Daniel arap Moi has eulogised pioneer Nandi Senator Gerald Nathaniel Kalya as a leader worth emulating.

Mr Moi said Mr Kalya, who served as a senator from 1964 to 1966, was a servant leader who gave direction to the community he led and would be missed by the country at large.

"It is with deep sorrow that death has robbed the country a leader worth emulating. Honourable Kalya leaves behind a rich legacy of servant leadership that the people of Nandi, Mosop, will forever remember," said Moi.

After being senator, Kalya served as Mosop MP between 1967 and 1974. He was also elected MP for Tinderet during the 1976 by-election occasioned by the arrest of then MP Jean Marie Seroney.

Moi said Kalya co-operated with all leaders of the time and together they were able to chart the course and give direction to the community during the early years of Kenya's independence.

He said Kalya's amiable nature won him many friends and admirers.

"I personally remember him for his warm, pleasant and God-fearing nature that won him many friends and admirers," said Moi.

Kalya, 85, who died on January 10 at an Eldoret hospital due to complications of stroke and diabetes was buried at his Mosoriot home in Nandi on Saturday. He is survived by his wife Emily and five children.