Bishops in Kenya Recognize Late President’s Faith Practice, “always put God before all”

Nairobi, 07 February, 2020 / 3:51 AM

Following the death of Kenya’s second president Daniel Moi Tuesday, February 4, Catholic Bishops in the East African country have paid tribute to the country’s longest serving leader, acknowledging him as one who “always put God before all.”

“The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on their own behalf and on behalf of the Catholic fraternity in Kenya wish to express profound gratitude to God for the gift of our late President, Hon. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi,” the Bishops have stated in a collective message issued Thursday, February 6.

“As we mourn with fellow Kenyans, we also remember the life of a man who believed in God and manifested this with actions,” the Bishops have recalled in the message availed to ACI Africa and added, “The late Mzee Moi prayed to God for guidance and always put God before all that he intended to do. We have a living example of a God-fearing man who frequented worship with other Kenyans with unfailing commitment.”

They have described the late President, a staunch member of the African Inland Church (AIC), as one who “valued Christian teachings and never failed to attend Sunday service where he delivered inspirational messages of peace, love and unity.”

Former AIC presiding Bishop Silas Yego  has told the  Standard Newspaper, “All the time Moi attended Sunday service, he quoted Galatians 2:20, saying for him to live was because of Christ and that it was by God’s grace."

Acknowledging the former president’s contribution to nation building, the Catholic Prelates have attested, “He worked hard for this Nation from humble beginnings to take charge of the Country's top leadership office for many years.”

“We join the Nation in celebrating the life of a great Leader who committed his entire life to the cause of peace, love and unity he believed in and passed this message with passion and humour, as well (as with) the seriousness it deserved,” the Bishops stated in their collective message signed by KCCB Chairman, Archbishop Philip Anyolo.

The Prelates have also sent their “deepest sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of the late Mzee Moi.”

They expressed their prayer that “the plans for his final farewell may find God's favour and may he rest in eternal peace.”

The body of the former late president will lie-in-state at Parliament Buildings from February 8 through February 10 for public viewing.

The government has announced Tuesday, February 11 as a public holiday “to accord all Kenyans the opportunity to attend the National Memorial Service” in honor of the country’s second President, at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.  

The remains of the former leader will be interred at his Kabarak home, Wednesday, February 12.