Even as the curtains came falling on Kenya’s longest-serving President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, a lot has been remembered and eulogized about the man who took over from the founding President Jomo Kenyatta in 1978.
Among the memories that Kenyans shared to remember the life of the retired president included his way of matching and inspecting the guard of honour during public holidays.
Yenye MO1 was very fit. I can watch this over and over again laughing 🤣🤣🤣
— Susan P Sintamei (@PSintamei) February 4, 2020
Among the four presidents that Kenya has had since independence, Moi has been regarded as the best ever head of state who never disappointed Kenyans during holiday celebrations.
His composure, energy and way of matching while inspecting the guard of honour left many Kenyans yawning for more. Moi, unlike the former President Mwai Kibaki who was slow in his movements, Moi was so fast, aggressive and more energetic and even at times leaving his bodyguards and the Army generals behind.
His way of expressing respect for the parade (raising his iconic rungu up) after every inspection left many thrilled as well.
Among the last times Kenyans had the opportunity to witness the former President Moi inspecting a guard of honour was when he was sworn in for his fifth and final five-year term in 1997.
Hundreds of dignitaries, including presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and former President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, witnessed the event.
Moi arriving at Nyayo Stadium for Kenyatta Day celebration (2001) #RIPMoi #RIPPresidentMoi ^CM pic.twitter.com/4EYxA3nsV3
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) February 4, 2020
About five thousand Kenyans, some carrying posters of Moi, crowded onto a grassy hill overlooking Nairobi’s Uhuru Park to watch their president be sworn in.
It is at this event that Moi inspected a guard of honour made up of members of the 70th Battalion of the Kenyan army, which prevented a coup against Moi in 1982.
“Kenyans have different reasons to remember you .
That maziwa ya nyayo is still fresh in me .
How we danced to the tunes ,tawala Kenya ,tawala …Rais Moi tawala , tawala Kenya tawala.
Our culture was deeply rooted and practiced . We valued and appreciate all your contribution s to this country , and as a developing country we had challenges . We thank God for this moment ,mzee . I really loved your match ,inspecting the guard of honour . And the rungu , can’t forget tikisa kidole.
KANU ..register my condolences,” Posted one user on Facebook.
Here are some of the memories by Kenyans from the archives praising Moi’s way of inspecting various guards of honour during his time as the president.
I remember watch Former president Moi inspecting guard of honour where everyone was in black & white. I always thought it was a national uniform/ requirement to wear Black & white clothes
— Real Eddie (@RealEddy_) January 27, 2020
Me too was glad the nyayo clap was back briefly“@Sankorie: i still miss how Moi used to inua his Rungu when inspecting the guard of honour.”
— Sharon Matu (@MrsMatu) April 9, 2013
#EmptyKasarani I remember when i was a kid there was no one on the street evryone was glued to their tvs watching Jamuhuri day and Moi inspecting guard of honour but nowadays Jirani anauliza kwani leo ni sato?
— duke of jua kali (@elvis_oduor) December 12, 2017
YES! RT @humnju But Moi was best at this "inspecting guard of honour" thing yes?
— Gini (@giniekay) June 1, 2013
Moi will remain the GOAT when it comes to inspecting guard of honour
— E-knock Ken🇰🇪 (@Enock_Ken) October 20, 2015
School choirs during Moi era ^CM pic.twitter.com/oTxOGrQwGT
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) February 4, 2020