DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOI: BABA MOI

 

DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOI: BABA MOI

The most renowned and most decorated statesman known in Kenyan; whose fame is eminent the world over, known to have instilled unnatural fear into the hearts of his opponents, prominent for having built a lasting family dynasty, whose name is in almost every recognized institution within the nation, whose legacy is subjoined to his long-serving presidency, who is famously known as Baba Moi, Mzee Moi, or Nyayo, the total man himself, the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, CGH. On this portion of black history month, I get to examine the life and times of our beloved Baba Moi, as one key leader that changed the course of this nation, during his tenure as president.

Aside from the late president Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, and president Paul Biya of Cameroon, the late Mzee Moi was one of the longest serving presidents of Africa, having been in the seat of power for twenty four solid years, and would have served even longer, had the constitution not barred him from seeking another term in office. Despite of him having the will, energy, and stamina to continue on with the role as the president, the winds of political and economic change came blowing on his turf, compelling Baba Moi to hang up his spurs, and proceed to an early retirement. Fortunately for him, he had the foresight to the pre-eminent development, and thus was wise enough to accept the voice of  change, pass the baton to his successor, and humbly exit the political arena.

Nonetheless, Baba Moi was no ordinary man. Some allegedly said that his political baton, commonly known as fimbo ya Nyayo, contained in it mystical powers, while others jived that he was clairvoyant, with the ability to clearly see and also hear rivals plotting against him. I heard plenty of these claims in rumourville, during my childhood days, growing up in the eighties, at the height of the Nyayo era. I grew up listening to many more of these rumours that cannot be ratified, neither confirmed in this write up. Yet, who is to say that Mzee did not possess the aforementioned psychic abilities? Perhaps they were imparted upon him by God Almighty, as he was known to be very spiritual and a practicing Christian. But who knows?

However, the late Mzee Moi could not have been ordinary and run a country for two decades. It must have required him to attain special skills, in order to lead a crop of Kenyans, who then were modern, well-educated, fiercely independent, largely democratic, big on human rights, as well as desiring of socio-economic and political freedom. No longer was it business as usual, when Kenyans started demanding for changes to be made in every public sphere during the Nyayo era, not fearing the grave consequences that came along with openly defying the Moi government. It is because of the bravery of these that we now enjoy multi-party democracy, amongst other myriad of blessings.

Nevertheless, what of those blissful memories that Baba Moi left behind for us to remember him by, and forever immortalize in our hearts? Granted that some people are not fond of the former president and thus have no regard for him as such, yet there are a couple of blessed echoes about the former president that I hold dear in my heart. Firstly, the Nyayo era brought on free milk for public school children to have twice a week. I was a beneficiary of this gift of milk in the eighties and early nineties, thanks to Mzee Moi, who valued school children enough to ensure that they had enough protein within their systems, so as to function in class.

Furthermore, how about the unforgettable folk songs that were famously performed on all public holidays? Do you not experience nostalgia, whenever you listen to them? Well, they were mostly about Baba Moi but they were also classic patriotic songs that reminded us of how great this nation is. Whenever I get to listen to the sounds of Muungano Choir, I am always reminded of Baba Moi, as this too was his favourite choir. Moreover, all of their beautiful songs they performed for us will forever be etched into my memory. By the way, what happened to this celebrated choir? Someone please, let us on the whereabouts of this glorious choristers.

The late Mzee Moi will forever be in our hearts and minds, more so because he purposed to leave his memorabilia all over the country, from his statues, his photos, his signature, to his legendary name that embodies every famous path, street, road, highway, bridge, school, hospital, and institution. Indeed, with your evocation all around us, we can never ever forget you.

Here is to you Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi; your memory will live on in our hearts and minds. Rest in power!