• In an interview with the Star, Moi’s long-serving Cabinet minister and last VP Musalia Mudavadi says ex-President was also an early riser.
• Mudavadi also opens up about how he felt when Moi chose Uhuru over him in 2002
Image: COURTESY
Former President Daniel Moi prepared for his long and engaging days with a heavy early breakfast, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has said.
Mudavadi, who served as Moi's last vice-president said his boss would often take porridge, ugali, vegetables and meat in the morning.
“He took a good meal knowing he will have a busy day meeting people, state officials and diplomats throughout the day,” Mudavadi said.
Moi's days began with a meeting with security agencies for the every day briefing. “On a normal day, it was at 5am,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi said that Moi was always punctual and thorough in Cabinet meetings he convened every two weeks.
“If he was to be in Karatina at 10am, his motorcade would be there at 10am,” he said.
The former deputy prime minister said Moi preferred using motorcades to flying because he liked stopovers to keep in touch with the people.
On many occasions, Moi issued executive orders at roadside stopovers while traversing the country as well as buying from local markets.
School children also lined up on the roads and performed for him during these stopovers.
Moi was also known for pulling surprises on people. He pulled one on the then Sports minister Francis Nyenze, now deceased, in April 1998.
He called to say he would spend the night at his home during his two-day tour of Kitui.
Asked what would have caused this unique visit, Mudavadi said it could be for security reasons and lack of state lodges at the time.
Mudavadi said Moi was humble and respectable in how he approached people, whether high and mighty or at the low level.
Musalia said Moi was humorous and loved listening to chorals.
This, the former VP said, helped the growth of university choirs across the country.
“And for Moi, it was not just about cracking jokes. He loved watching Vitimbi as well,” he said.
But why the heavy hand in dealing with dissidents?
“Moi understood public office and that you must guard your authority. And after 1982 attempted coup, what options did Moi have other than consolidate his power?” Mudavadi asked.
President Moi was accused of crushing of opposition voices and arbitrary detentions without trial.
Among those Moi either detained or arrested include former Kitutu East MP George Anyona, lawyer John Khaminwa, university lecturers Maina wa Kinyatti, Katama Mkangi and Willy Mutunga, Alamin Mazrui, politicians Koigi wa Wamwere, Kenneth Matiba, Raila Odinga, Gitobu Imanyara and editor Otieno Mak’Onyango.
But Mudavadi said in context, Moi had been humiliated but took it in stride.
“He had been called a passing cloud, and when those who said that noticed it was not passing started becoming restless.
“Also, many organisations were pushing for multipartyism and in that firmness, he was called a dictator,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi also admits he was disappointed when Moi chose Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor, a move that eventually saw key Kanu figureheads leave the ruling party.
“If you are not offered an opportunity to fairly compete, you feel let down and disappointed. That is normal but you have to move on,” Mudavadi says.
He adds that Moi’s contribution to the growth was equally both in limelight and away from the cameras.
“In 1956 Moi pushed for the formation of the Kenya National Union of Teachers in Legco. The bill went through, and my point is that he introduced teachers’ unionism. Later, Knut pushed for the formation of TSC, and the latter is now cannibalising the former,” Mudavadi said.