Who was June Chebet, daughter of former President Moi

Former President Daniel Arap Moi's daughter, June Chebet has passed away, the family announced in a statement.

According to the family, Chebet died on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the morning.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on of our beloved, June Chebet Moi this morning," the statement said.

"At this time of grief, we request your prayers and privacy as we the family come to terms with the tragic loss of our sister. May her soul rest in eternal peace," it added.

But who was June Chebet?

Chebet was the last-born daughter among the former President's eight children.

Moi had five sons and three daughters among the children are a set of twins.

June Chebet was adopted by the former president and cared for to be part of the family.

She attended Nairobi Primary, Kenya High School and then moved on to university in Canada. She was a successful businesswoman.

The former President's other children are Gideon Moi, who had a political career of his own in Kenya, Jonathan Toroitich (a former rally driver, who died in 2019) and Philip Moi (a retired army officer) among others.

Moi married his wife Lena Moi, daughter of prominent Eldama Ravine farmer and pioneer Christian Paul Bomet in 1950.

Lena, a trained teacher, later took up the role of a full-time housewife to raise the children as Moi's political career took root.

The president and Lena separated in 1974 and finally quietly divorced in 1979.  The former president never remarried.

The wife retreated to a quiet life at her Rongai farm where she passed on in July 2004.

Just like parents have a favourite child, Chebet was the closest daughter to his father's heart.

Chebet and Gideon were Moi's favourite children.

Gideon followed in his father's footsteps as a politician and took up the role of the family spokesperson.

Chebet lived quietly and more details of her life are scanty.