DP Ruto eulogises former President as selfless leader

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Deputy President William Ruto (pictured) has eulogized former President Daniel Moi as a selfless leader who consolidated the country’s nationhood during his 24-year rule.Dr Ruto extolled Moi for expanding public services to reach all parts of the country, including marginalised regions.

Ruto, who condoled with the family of Moi at the steps of his Harambee Annex Offices, recalled how the late President led political reforms that enabled Kenya to adopt multiparty democracy as well as subjecting himself to a presidential term limit.

“Against the expectations of many, Mzee Moi led reforms that enabled Kenya to enjoy vigorous de facto and de jure multiparty democracy as well as civil and political freedom,” said Ruto yesterday.“He submitted himself to presidential term limits, graciously entering a dignified retirement.

God has been kind to him as he enjoyed many peaceful years outside the presidency of Kenya,” he added.He recalled how Moi mentored many people into leadership, including himself while describing him as a leader who had “legendary personal discipline and determination to serve God all the days of his life”.

Ruto said Moi steered the country against slipping into a political abyss that engulfed so many African nations. He said the former President managed this against severe constraints imposed by the local, regional and international circumstances.

“Instead, he strengthened the post-independence state, consolidated our sense of nationhood, and expanded public services to reach all parts of Kenya, including the historically marginalised,” added Ruto.

Ruto announced that the State had taken charge of the burial plans, adding that President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua to take a lead of the arrangements.

“Because of the enormity of what has befallen us as a country, the Head of Public Service has taken charge to provide leadership on the process that the President has directed that will lead to a State funeral for our late leader,” said Ruto.He said finer details about the burial arrangement will be made public in due course.

“Mzee Moi’s life and service is an undeniable legacy of success against daunting odds. It is also a challenge to our generation to rise up to the great responsibility of serious nation building, to have courage to face our challenges without blinking, and to use his fine example to take Kenya forward,” added Ruto.

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