Late President Moi's memories still alive at Kabarak School of Music

With three years having passed on since the demise of the Late President Daniel Moi, memories of a statesman who was passionate about leading a united and peaceful nation are still immortalised in minds of many.

From his love for education, religion, music, and constructive politics, he is remembered as a statesman who believed in empowering a nation through investing in quality education.

In earlier interactions, leaders have praised Moi's love for quality education that not only empowered Kenyan children in academics but also championed a balance in extra curriculum activities, and spiritual, intellectual, and physical pursuits.

"Mzee's love for children made him direct his energy and focus to this school as he dreamt of a school that would cater for the development of an all-round individual who would be capable of fitting into the world," Professor Kiplagat said.

His love and belief in education saw the building of many schools during his 24-year reign.

Over the years, his education reforms aimed at addressing ethnic disparities in university access have been praised. It is through these efforts that hundreds of schools spread across the country are today named after him, perhaps as a form of recognition by communities benefiting from the projects.

Part of his contributions to the education sector included the expansion of teacher training colleges, technical training institutions, and universities, institutions that increased tremendously during his reign.

But his love for music, people say, still remains outstanding to date.

Still, the unique wall tapestries bearing his portrait and one of his favourite hymn 'And Can It Be' are still framed at Kabarak School of music. Perhaps, this immortalises Moi's deep love for religion, arts, and music.

It is through his love for music that he invested in the music school long after his retirement as part of developing and nurturing performing arts and music as a course in the region.

"Moi was religious. He also loved music and culture and felt that the only way to preserve African music and cultures was to develop music to the university level," Professor Melitus Wanyama, Kabarak School of Music founding dean said.

"One time, he told me that he wanted a school that would last beyond 200 years. Probably, he meant that he wanted a school that would remain relevant and will be used by many generations to come," he adds.

His love for music, arts, and religion seemed intertwined, religious leaders say.

A stickler for rules and time, he is remembered for never coming to church late even once.