Daniel Arap Moi biography narrates the little-known life story of Kenya’s longest-serving head of state popularly called the professor of politics. His rise to power and legacy remain vivid among followers and critics.
Here is a quick look at the rise and fall of the KANU party leader who led the country for a record 24 years.
7 Profile Facts in Daniel Arap Moi biography
The life story continues to make headlines for his controversial leadership style and the success of wealth among kinsmen.
Who was Daniel Moi?
1. Moi died at the age of 95 years
Born on September 2, 1924, President Moi died on February 4, 2020, at the age of 95 years.
The cause of his death was age-related breathing difficulties. Elsewhere, the name Moi means ‘Welcome home the cattle.’
2. He originates in Baringo district
Moi was born and raised in the small village of Kurieng’wo in the Sacho Location of Baringo District.
He received the name after his biological father Kimoi Arap Chebii with ancestral ties on the slopes of Mt. Kenya
3. He was largely raised by his brother Tuitoek
Moi who is the fifth-born son lost his father at the age of four years.
As a result, he received much parenting from his elder brother Tuitoek, and mother Kabon Chebii.
4. Moi’s wife was Helena (Lena) Bommet
In 1950, Moi married Helena (Lena) Bommet with whom he sired eight children; three daughters and five sons.
His sons include Jonathan, Raymond, John Mark, Philip, and Gideon Moi. On the other hand, his daughters are Jennifer, Doris, and the adopted daughter June.
Besides, a Gachagua look-alike child pictured standing next to Moi continues to make round son social media.
4. He studied at Jeans School
In 1950, Moi enrolled at the Jeans School, which focused on training African teachers and African agricultural officers.
He was posted to the Government African School, Kabarnet where he taught teachers until 1955.
5. Moi joined politics in 1955
A random encounter with freedom fighters led by commander Brig inspired Moi to join politics.
At first, he fed them and protected them for two weeks. Later on, he succeeded Joseph ole Tameno in the Legislative Council (LegCo).
6. He pushed for the formation KNUT
While in LegCo, Moi persistently engaged British colonial masters on the freedom of teachers to start associations.
As a result, the Kenya National Union of Teachers was formed and registered in 1957.
7. He championed the release of Jomo Kenyatta
Moi fearlessly teamed up with Ronald Ngala, Eliud Mathu, and Masinde Muliro calling for the release of Jomo Kenyatta.
He later attended the Lancaster House Constitutional Conference in the quest for independence.
8. Moi served in various ministerial positions
In 1961, Moi was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Education.
The tricenarian proceeded to serve in the ministries of Education and Local Government.
9. Kenyatta appointed Moi Vice President in 1967
The resignation of Mr Joseph Murumbi saw the 43-year-old Moi appointed Vice President by Jomo Kenyatta in 1967.
Loyalty and discipline thrived his working relationship with Kenyatta.
10. Moi became president in 1978
The sudden death of President Kenyatta on August 22, 1978, saw Moi becoming the head of state.
The position presented several challenges including the 1982 coup in which Airforce Soldiers attempted to overthrow his government.
11. Moi paid allegiance to the west
The failed coup of 1982 reshaped Moi’s regime with exceeding allegiance to the West including the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The relationship eventually collapsed when the West started pushing for radical reforms in the country’s politics and civil rights.
12. Moi as a professor of politics
The narrow survival of an attempted Coup in 1982 awoke Moi’s toughness.
He proceeded with the Iron and Fist leadership style knowing the opposition was unsettled.
13. He opposed the 1991 multiparty democracy
Moi’s government, opposed to multiparty democracy, created a harsh political environment for its champions such as Raila Odinga and Robert Ouko.
Luckily, he was re-elected in the 1992 and 1997 general elections.
He could not join the 2002 race because the multi-party clauses limited a president to two terms in office.
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