Plans are at the climax as the nation prepares to lay to rest a man many if not all cherish for being an icon of peace, the other sides of his history notwithstanding.
The late Mzee Moi will be interred at his Kabarak home by Wednesday afternoon the exercise being considerate of the military precisions -for the fact that he ever was the commander in chief of the armed forces back- and as well the as the Kalenjin traditions being looked at.
For the three days Moi’s body laid in state for viewing, his trademark club, (or popularly “Rungu Ya Nyayo”), a chair and his Bible and hymns’ book were put alongside the body. It is thus not clear whether or not the late will be lowered to the grave with the accessories.
That out, there are some things which he must be accorded as per the military culture of honoring a fallen commander.
Moi will be buried with some military items excluding his military regalia.
“Moi will not be buried in military uniform. But his military dress (hat, shoes, belt, and uniform) will be in the casket. The uniform, as well as the flag draping the coffin, will be removed by the pallbearers,” Mwenda Mbijiwe, a former Air Force officer says.
The ex-officer adds the laying of the wreaths after the interment will be done by top officials from the forces, the president, and close family members before a possible fly-past salute is showcased by fighter jets and gunships.
Moi will be laid to rest beside his little-known-about wife Lena Moi.
Security in the home and around has been beefed ahead of the ceremony. Heavy trucks have been blocked from plying the Eldoret-Nakuru-Nairobi highway until the funeral which has been taken for a state function is completed.
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Officers inspect the Kabarak University grounds where Moi’s final requiem mass will be held.
Officers from KDF, CID and the regular police have been mobilized in plenty to aid in enhancing security during Mzee Moi’s final journey.