Regional leaders have mourned former President Daniel Moi as a statesman and credited him for ensuring stability in the region.
President Moi was instrumental in peace processes in the region, particularly in Sudan/ South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and the DRC.
Tanzania President Pombe Magufuli said Tanzanians will remember him for his leadership and the effort to strengthen the East African Community relationship.
“On behalf of the Tanzanian government, I pass my heartfelt condolences to the president of Kenya and all Kenyans for loss of the retired president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi,” Magufuli said.
Speaking to KTN News, former President Jakaya Kikwete Moi will be remembered for his peace efforts in the Igad region.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni mourned Moi as a leader who maintained stability in Kenya after the death of Founding President Jomo Kenyatta, and was always passionate about the East African regional integration.
“He had an orientation towards Africa as opposed to Europe as most leaders of his time,” President Museveni said.
His rival, opposition leader Kizza Besigye, in an apparent hit to Museveni, said Moi will be remembered for passing power to another President — Mwai Kibaki in 2002.
“From humble beginnings and with a humble, submissive demeanor. President Moi emerged to become a skillful statesman! His main legacy is affording Kenya a peaceful transition to another leader. Can now rest in peace,” Besigye posted on social media.
The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of former Kenyan President H.E. Daniel arap Moi who passed away today. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, the dictator who has ruled the East African states with an iron fist, also condoled with the Moi family.
“On behalf of the People of Burundi and on my own behalf, I join the Kenyans and all African well-wishers in expressing sympathy to the family of His Excellency Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, former President of the Republic of Kenya, following his demise,” Nkurunziza tweeted.
New Igad Executive secretary Workneh Gebeyehu eulogised Moi as one of Igad founders, noting that the organisation will forever be indebted to him for his valuable contribution to the region.
In a press release on Tuesday, Gebeyehu recalled the “pivotal role of the former president in the formation of Igad as one of the Founding Fathers in 1986”.
“The late Mzee Moi will greatly be remembered for environmental peace, and security efforts in many parts of Africa, for the return of Somalia to the community of nations and independence of South Sudan,” Gebeyehu said.
EAC Secretariat tweeted:” Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of His Excellency Daniel Arap Moi, as well as the people of #Kenya at this time. We wish you all strength and fortitude to face this loss. #RIPMoi.”
