Military commanders take over Nairobi Hospital after Moi’s death

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathathe and Interior CS Fred Matiang’i at the Lee Funeral home in Nairobi on February 4, 2020.

The Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe led service commanders to Nairobi Hospital after the announcement of former president Moi’s death.

Gen Mwathethe was accompanied by his deputy Lt Gen Robert Kibochi and Army Commander Lt Gen Walter Raria. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, his deputies Edward Mbugua and Noor Gabow and General Service Unit boss Douglas Kanja were also present.

President Uhuru had announced that the retired president shall be accorded a State Funeral, with all appropriate civilian and full military honors being rendered and observed.

They accompanied Senator Gideon Moi as he announced that his father died peacefully. Security was tightened at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi where the body was moved to.

At a brief press conference where he was accompanied by security commanders, Gideon also expressed his family's gratitude to Kenyans for the prayers they've been making for the former president.

He said Moi died at 5.20 am.

"I was by his side, and as a family we have accepted. Mine is just to give my heartfelt gratitude to all Kenyans and non-Kenyans for the prayers and thoughts that they have been giving to Mzee and to our family. Thank you all."

Moi had been unwell for a while.

He was Kenya’s president for 24 years between 1978 and 2002 and was always portrayed as vibrant and healthy.

In March 2018, Gideon and his personal physician Dr. David Silverstein accompanied him to Israel for a routine checkup on his operated knee.

Later that year, the former President was admitted to the Nairobi Hospital for another checkup.

In October 2019, there were reports that Moi had been admitted to the same hospital though his Press Secretary, Lee Njiru, denied the claims.

Despite his health concerns over the last few years, Moi would still receive visitors at his Kabarak home, mostly politicians.

They included presidents Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Raila Odinga, and Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli.

Others were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) boss Ezekiel Mutua and others.

The late President Daniel arap Moi came to power in 1978 following the death of his predecessor Jomo Kenyatta.

It was in 2002 that he had decided to exit from politics and then through the ruling party KANU, endorsed Uhuru as the flag bearer for the presidential election.