Leaders: Mudavadi, Kalonza, Wetangula, Lee, Oparanya praise President Moi

Leaders yesterday praised former President Daniel arap Moi for his efforts in implementing development projects in the country.

Speaking in Kabarak during Moi's funeral service yesterday, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi said it was during the former president's era that several hospitals were built.

Mr Mudavadi said the hospitals Moi built ensured Kenyans had access to affordable health care.

“President Moi introduced Nyayo wards in most public hospitals across the country,” said Mudavadi.

He added that the rate of illiteracy reduced, especially in the rural areas, as a result of establishment of schools.

During Moi’s era, several schools were constructed through harambees.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula said Moi was an icon, having peacefully handed over power to Mwai Kibaki in 2002.

He noted that Moi kept off active politics after quitting power and only advised politicians to unite Kenyans. “Moi wholeheartedly handed over power at a time most Kenyans thought he wanted to cling on,” said Mr Wetang'ula.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka celebrated Moi as a unifying national figure. He also thanked Mzee for mentoring him politically.

“We need to move from mourning Moi to celebrating him. He was a great leader and a father of the nation. He picked many of us from obscurity and led us into government,” Kalonzo said.

He urged the government to carry on with Moi's vision for a vibrant East African Community, which he said had been dear to the former president.

Council of Governors chairman Wycliffe Oparanya applauded Moi for his great political legacy. He said his encounter with Moi in the 1990s spurred him to be a good leader.

He said he met Moi in 1995, when Isaac Salat, father of Nick Salat, took him to the former president's residence in Kabarnet Gardens.

Oparanya said Moi had foreseen devolution in the 1960s and in the 1980s where he preached on the need for it.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said Moi helped him connect with the Nakuru electorate.