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Kenyans Mourn, Celebrate Life of Former President Moi

Rael Ombuor

   NAIROBI - Thousands of Kenyans, along with a number of African leaders,
   streamed into Nyayo National Stadium Tuesday to attend the funeral of
   Daniel arap Moi, Kenya's second president, who died last Tuesday while
   undergoing treatment at a Nairobi Hospital. Kenyans remembered Moi in
   different ways in a ceremony that seemed to have brought the country
   together.

   The youngest of Moi's sons, Gideon Moi, led the nation in eulogizing
   his father.

   "This was our father, an elephant time memory and a compassionate
   heart. Throughout his years of service, he taught us to have tough
   feet, but keep a soft heart. Our father was a forgiving man," said the
   younger Moi.

   Several heads of state present eulogized the former president as a
   Pan-Africanist, who contributed significantly to the unity of the
   continent.

   Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia's president, was among the regional leaders
   present.

   "We will always remember the fundamental role he played in the
   formation of our regional organization IGAD back in 1986 but also the
   contribution he has made in the revitalization of IGAD in 1996 when he
   was heading the organization, the role he has played in Sudan, to bring
   peace between Sudan and South Sudan, and in Somalia are also big
   achievements this region has registered," said the Ethiopian leader.

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