Sombre mood at Nairobi Hospital and Lee funeral home

Former president Daniel Arap Moi died on Tuesday at 5:20am and body taken to Lee Funeral home. [Collins Kweyu/Standard]

A sombre mood engulfed the Nairobi Hospital following the death of former President Daniel arap Moi. He died aged 95.

At 8.30am, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi spoke for the first time hours after the death of his father, as senior government officials, political, religious and business leaders arrived to view Moi's remains.

Senator Moi was at his father’s bedside when he passed on peacefully at 5.20am. He thanked Kenyans for the prayers and support they have accorded the family.

“He passed away peacefully, I was by his side and as a family, we have accepted and mine is just to give my heartfelt gratitude to all Kenyans and non-Kenyans for the prayers and support they have given to Mzee and our family. Thank you all and God bless you all,” said Gideon.

Senator Moi was flanked by family members, Interior CS Fred Matiangi, Chief of Defence Forces  Gen. Samson Mwathethe, Inspector-General Hillary Mutyambai and other senior government officials. 

After the brief statement, Nairobi Hospital was cordoned off as the military and the GSU took over the security around the hospital and along roads leading to the gate.

A military ambulance arrived with military doctors to take charge as the body was moved to Lee Funeral Home.

Leaders arrive at Lee

Leaders who arrived at the hospital to condole with Moi’s family were Energy CS Charles Keter, Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat and Labour CS Simon Chelugui.

Others were Lt Gen (rtd) Elijah Sumbeiywo, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei, Nominated Senator Halakhe Waqo, Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut and Sports CS Amina Mohammed.

Police had a difficult time controlling a crowd outside the Lee Funeral Home.