Moi’s Moi Day

President Uhuru Kenyatta with former President Daniel arap Moi when he paid him a courtesy call at his Kabarnet Gardens residence in Nairobi in February

As he continues to rest and live his last years peacefully, aged Moi is blessed to once again celebrate Moi day. Following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in August 2010, Moi Day was removed from the list of Kenyan national holidays. However On November 8 2017, The High Court restored 10th October, as a public holiday.

Retired President Daniel arap Moi on Wednesday marked Moi Day quietly at his Kabarak home with family and friends. Born in 1924, he rose from handling chalk dust to the most coveted office. Moi Day is a public holiday in Kenya celebrated on October 10. It honors former Kenyan President Daniel Moi.

Moi according to the star said he was overwhelmed by the messages of goodwill and greetings from Kenyans of all walks of life.

Retired President Daniel Moi

He thanked Kenyans for their expression of love for him and the many fond memories. Moi said he prays for God’s blessings for Kenya and its people.

On November 9, last year, the High Court reinstated October 10 as a public holiday. Justice George Odunga said its nullification contravened the Public Holidays Act. However, he did not specify how the holiday should be celebrated and left the matter to Parliament and the Interior ministry.

Kenyans love holidays so it is no wonder that many appreciated the judiciary’s reinstatement of Moi Day. Kenya had been marking the holiday since 1988, when then President Moi marked 10 years in power but it was scrapped in 2010.

The constitution recognizes only three public holidays: Madaraka Day (June 1), Mashujaa Day (October 20) and Jamhuri Day (December 12)

By the time he handed over to Mwai Kibaki, he had served as Kenya’s President and Commander-in-Chief for 24 years and Vice President for 11 years from 1967 to 1978.

Socialist Oginga Odinga was Kenya’s first Vice President before he fell out with Kenyatta to be succeeded by Joseph Murumbi and then Moi. Murumbi was a Maasai of Goan extraction.

As the Vice President and Minister of Internal Affairs was a visible politician handling various political crises in a parliament full of independence era heavyweights such as Martin Shikuku, Jean-Marie Seroney, John Keen and many more.

Moi handed power over to Kibaki on December 30, 2002 at a public ceremony in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park in a ceremony witnessed by millions of Kenyans. As he exited power, Moi was humble: “The people of Kenya have spoken, let me acknowledge Kanu’s defeat. You have exercised your democratic right,” he told the huge crowd.

Moi countered speculation by the then opposition that he planned to hold on to power, saying he would not rule for life and when his last term lapsed, he would retire. He at the same time emphasised that even in retirement he would still contribute to development of Kenya.

Retired President Daniel Moi (left) chats with Opposition leader Raila Odinga at his residence

The former Head of State ruled under the guidance of his Nyayo motto, which was anchored on determination to follow in Mzee Kenyatta’s footsteps, with three words underlying his leadership philosophy: Peace, Love and Unity.

Some of his key achievements for the country include allowing multi-party democracy, execution of the 8-4-4 education system, major youth and women empowerment programs, expansion of health, education and general infrastructure development.

When Moi introduced the 8-4-4 system, the emphasis was on practical and vocational training. It was also during this time that the basis for the current universities expansion was established to address educational needs of the rapidly growing population. Free school milk program endeared President Moi to the children, their parents and teachers.

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