FKF to observe a minute silence during KPL, NSL matches in honour of Moi

President Daniel arap Moi displaying his football skills before the crucial match between the Bunge Team and Kenya poster and Telecommunication team at Moi High school Kabarak on March 23, 1987. [Standard Sports}

A minute’s silence will be observed before matches of the three top tiers football leagues this weekend to honour the late former President Daniel arap Moi.

FKF in a statement said the former President, who died on Tuesday morning at the Nairobi Hospital aged 95, contributed a lot to the growth of football in the country and therefore deserved respect during the Kenyan Premier League, National Super League and Division One games over the weekend.

In a letter statement signed by FKF General Secretary Barry Otieno and sent out to all clubs, FKF appreciated the lasting legacy in Kenyan sports left by the former president.

"As the country mourns the passing of the second president of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, the football fraternity will pay its respect to the former president during the upcoming league matches scheduled for this weekend," read the statement in parts.

"The Kenyan Premier League will observe a moment of silence, this will also apply to Betika Super League and FKF National Division One League matches."

FKF also recognised the Former President’s passion and commitment for sports.

"FKF is deeply saddened by the passing of Mzee Moi - a true sportsman who, during his tenure, left an indelible footprint not only in football but the entire sporting sector," the statement added.

Though he is gone, Kenyans will forever remember his contributions to the sporting industry.

Moi fully supported sports in terms of infrastructural improvement, teams’ facilitation and players’ welfare, but was seen to be more soccer-leaning going by his contributions towards football.

Interestingly, the only two largest sporting facilities in the country-Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums-were constructed during his reign.

Moi rarely missed to attend big football matches involving national team Harambee Stars, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards whenever he had the chance, with his love for football earning him the name-number one fan.

The Moi Golden Cup, now FKF Shield, was the competition to look forward to as he used to grace the finals held on Moi Day and handover trophies to the winners.

And it was during his regime that Kenyan teams (national team and clubs) excelled both on the regional and continental scenes.