Kenya’s former President, Daniel arap Moi, dies aged 95

Kenya’s controversial former president, Daniel arap Moi, has died in hospital aged 95.

A divisive figure who commanded respect and fear in equal measure, he ruled Kenya for 24 years between 1978 and 2002.

Born on 2 September 1924 into a farming family, Moi did not come from one of the two main ethnic groups in the country.

He became a teacher during the last throws of British imperial rule, which he deeply resented, sheltering Mau Mau rebels on his farm for several weeks during the uprising.

In 1957 he became one of the first black Kenyans to be elected to the Legislative Council and joined the delegation at Lancaster House in 1960 to discuss independence, helping to draft a new constitution.

A close ally of first president Jomo Kenyatta in the run up to independence in 1963, Moi served in his cabinet first as home affairs minister before becoming vice-president in 1967.

Upon Kenyatta’s death in 1978, Moi was elected president unopposed, presiding over a one-party state until 1991.

His administration was derided by critics for rampant corruption, inter-ethnic violence, human rights abuses and economic stagnation, but his supporters credited him for keeping Kenya stable whilst neighbouring countries descended into civil war.

Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, the son Moi’s long-time ally Jomo, said the nation had lost “a great man”, credited with helping the country transition to multi-party politics, but others will point to the fact that this only came after intense internal pressure.

On his last day in office in 2002, crowds threw mud at Moi, chanting “all is possible now without Moi”, but his reputation recovered in retirement, in large part thanks to politicians looking to boost their standing.

In 2004, after his time in office had come to an end, Moi, clearly repentant for some of his actions, asked for forgiveness: “If you have wronged me, I forgive you.  And if there’s someone who I have hurt, forgive me”.

However the “professor of politics” is remembered, Moi’s legacy will continue to be felt for a long time, as many of the current crop of leaders are protégés of Kenya’s second post-independence president.

Photo: George Mulala/Reuters