Family, friends celebrate the life of June Moi at Sunday service

From right: Gideon Moi, Raymond Moi, Doris Moi, Phillip Moi, Sylvia Toroitich Moi, Susan Moi, Eunice Moi, and Zahra Moi during the Sunday service in honour of June Moi at Kabarnet Gardens on April 14, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Family and friends of former President Daniel arap Moi gathered at Kabarnet Gardens in Nairobi for a Sunday service in honour of his daughter June Moi.

June was celebrated as a kind and generous person during the prayer service presided over by Africa Inland Church (AIC) presiding bishop Abraham Mulwa.

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi described June as a lovely human being, saying the Moi family is coming to terms with her demise.

“June was a jovial soul; full of life and outgoing. We celebrate the moments we shared as a family and continue to honour her memories. We dedicate her soul to the Lord and pray that she rests in eternal peace,” he said.

The former Baringo Senator said that the family is drawing comfort and strength from the triumph in the death of Jesus Christ.

“What happened a week ago (Easter) is the epitome of us as believers. That when Jesus conquered death is the most important day in the liturgical calendar and without that day, we all know that whatever we believed in for more than 2,000 years would be futile,” he said.

Gideon continued: “Therefore, it has happened and we know that our sister is in a better place. She is at home, she is with her family and she is with her maker. We stand condoled by that,” said Moi.

Gideon who spoke on behalf of the family thanked friends for joining and condoling with the Moi family during the difficult moment.

“Thank you for making your time, sending us your messages of condolences, support and togetherness. Most importantly we thank you for giving us courage that no matter what has happened, the Lord is there with us every single step of the way,” said Gideon.

Family members who attended the service included June’s daughter Paula Sussane Jepkemboi, Raymond Moi and his wife Susan Moi, Zahra Moi, wife of Gideon Moi, Philip Moi, Doris Moi and Sylvia Toroitich Moi, wife of late Jonathan Toroitich.

June died on April 11, 2024, at the age of 60.

Rose Kilele, who spoke on behalf of Kenya High Alumni where June studied, described the late as a kind, generous, gracious and sportsperson who was loved across the school.

“From all the messages that we are getting from all over the world, June was a lot of fun. They enjoyed her company. Those who were younger than her and shared the dorm with her say she was a very generous person,” said Kilele.

“She didn’t carry any airs and that really helped her in school. She played very well all those years. She was a swimmer and she represented the school in many games,” added Kilele.

Some of the leaders who attended the service were former Cabinet Minister Sam Ongeri who served in different ministries and Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli who also served as Internal Security cabinet minister.

Kabarak University Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat led the delegation from the institution.

The solemnity of the celebrations was captured in the carefully selected songs presented by Kabarak University choir, Tumaini Singers and Kenya High Choir.

Bishop Mulwa encouraged the family to be hopeful in God during the difficult moments, particularly following the loss of the family’s patriarch, retired President Moi, his son Jonathan and now daughter June.

“It is easy to lose hope but my message to you as the family is that good things are coming,” he assured.

Mulwa encouraged the family to stay together and shun anything that may cause division.

“June has done a race and finished. Somebody else has now to take the baton. Anyone can hold the baton, but what matters is how well you ran the race. It is important to guard your soul.

“When death strikes, let’s move forward knowing that it is the will of God despite the pain. I know it is difficult but you have to accept it knowing that that God makes no mistake and he has done according to his will.”

The bishop described the Moi family as ardent members of AIC Church.

June will be buried on Thursday at their Bahati Farm in Bahati, Nakuru County.