Daniel arap Moi dismisses Okoa Kenya as he marks 90th birthday

Retired President Daniel Moi receives a card from Kabarak Primary pupils at his 90th birthday celebration at Kabarak University, Nakuru County, on September 2, 2014. On his right is Governor Kinuthia Mbugua and son Gideon Moi (far right). PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Moi looked jovial throughout the ceremony culminating in his speech.
• The former Head of State delivered his speech in less than two minutes to the consternation of the guests.

By NATION REPORTER
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Retired President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday celebrated his 90th birthday, citing closeness to God as the secret behind his long life.

Mr Moi, who received gifts from friends and relatives at Kabarak University in Nakuru County said he was touched by the presentations that included songs and poems by students and invited choirs.

“Happy Birthday President Moi,” marked the three-hour fete, which was devoid of speeches.

Mr Moi arrived 10.30am in his characteristic five minutes before the scheduled time and planted a tree near President D.T. Moi Library.

Those who attended the ceremony included Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jones Kaleli, and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, the retired President’s son.

Mr Moi looked jovial throughout the ceremony culminating in his speech.

The former Head of State delivered his speech in less than two minutes to the consternation of the guests.

Mr Moi said, in what he termed as his testimony: “All that has happened in my life is because of God’s will; I would not have achieved anything on my own strength.”

“I accepted to serve God in 1934 and I have never wavered in my faith and God has never let me down. I surrendered my life to him and he has taken charge all the time. God can make you his instrument if you invite him and surrender yourself to him. I leave you to make your personal decision,” he said to the cheering gathering.

On political matters, he said: “I support the government and the Constitution. Although I earlier opposed it (Constitution), I had no choice but to accept it as it was the will of Kenyans. We should use it for our own good and stop bickering over it,” he said.

Mr Moi said that when he opposed the new constitutional dispensation, he was told that he was blocking the way to the biblical Canaan.

“And now, I can see people talking about Okoa Kenya. Let them stop these games and create an environment for job creation for our youth.”