Kenyans brave scorching sun to honour leader

For those of us who were born in the 1980s and 1990s, it was a moment like no other. 

Had it not been for the people around us, we could not have known that it was reminiscent of what was  witnessed in 1978 during the funeral ceremony of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

With military procession, the gun carriage bearing the body of former President Daniel arap Moi snaked its way through the city to Nyayo National Stadium for the funeral service.

While thousands of Kenyans streamed into the stadium others followed the proceedings along the route. From the GPO roundabout through the Nyayo Stadium roundabout, crowds milled along the four-kilometre stretch to watch the meticulous parade by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) escorting the body of their former Commander-in-Chief.

Police officers in their ceremonial regalia -- navy blue  and white gloves -- lined up the route, mounting a guard of honour as KDF men and women kept watch.

Police officers, standing about five metres apart, braved the morning heat for a final salute to the former president. 

The presidential escort led the way on the right side of Uhuru Highway, ushering in Moi’s entourage that followed closely behind, on the left side of the highway.

Moi’s funeral procession included his children and grandchildren. They sat atop a military vehicle, expressing gratitude to the multitudes who had come to condole with the family.

The Kenya Navy Marching Band signalled the passing of the entourage and was met with cheers from Kenyans who had come to pay their last respects.

Chants of “Nyayo, Nyayo!”, a slogan synonymous with the late president, rent the air wherever the carriage passed.

At the Haile Selassie-Uhuru Highway roundabout, many stood in awe as they have never seen police officers manning an empty street on a holiday.

George Mahaya, a resident of Vihiga County, travelled overnight to the city just to bid Moi goodbye.

Ndeya Jackson, also from Vihiga, arrived in the city at 6am. It was his first time to visit Nairobi after 30 years and he says it would be unfair for him not to bid Moi farewell.

William Agesa from Kawangware, Nairobi, was in town by 6.30am. “I have come to experience history. I never saw Moi but I had to be here today to be part of history so that I can narrate the experience to my children in future. I shut my business today to dedicate the day to Moi,” Agesa said.

At the Bunyala-Uhuru Highway roundabout one could hear the police commanders shouting orders to their juniors who stood under the relentless sun. It was only 10am but the heat was unbearable, especially to the heavily dressed soldiers.

Once the body left Lee Funeral Home, the roads were cleared and passenger service vehicles ordered to use different routes as the presidential motorcade was on its way. GK-registered vehicles were not spared.

Loice Wairimu was among those who came to witness the historic event. The 71-year-old, in the company of two other elderly women, made the trip to Nairobi from Mathira, Nyeri County.

She has fond memories of the former president and his 24-year rule, that’s what inspired her to make the early morning trip.

“Nyayo alipenda wamama na watoto sana. Nilitoka nyumbani saa tisa asubuhi nimwonyeshe pia mimi nampenda (Moi loved women and children. I left home at 3am to also show my love),” she said.

Those who had missed seats inside the stadium did not mind standing outside the stadium as they found joy and satisfaction in simply gracing the occasion.