Family celebrates Moi with his favourite hymns

A portrait of Daniel arap Moi during the memorial service that took place at the late president's home at Kabarak in Nakuru County. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Prayers, songs, and sermons served the day, activities that church leaders and family members say, reminded them of the family patriarch, a statesman whose love of God, they said, was beyond their understanding.

"Today, we celebrate the life of a man who was a peace ambassador. An honourable man who on June 1, 1981, said that where there was peace, there was stability and only in the arena of stability will you find investment, enterprise, and progress," Kabarak University vice Chancellor Professor Henry Kiplagat said.

Moi's favourite hymns, including 'To God be the Glory' and 'Blessed assurance' which were performed by Kabarak University choir were the highlight of the event that lasted slightly over an hour.

From left, Sylvia Moi, Eunice Moi and June Moi during the late President Daniel arap Moi's third anniversary held at his Kabarak home in Nakuru county. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The ceremony involved reading scriptures by family members and laying wreaths at the eight-pillar mausoleum that lies within the expansive Kabarak farm.

Each of the eight pillars of the mausoleum where the late Moi and his late wife Lorna lie represents their eight children- signifying the interests of a statesman who had his children at heart.

It signified the slogan he stood for in his 24-year reign that of love, unity, and peace at all times, even in death.