Security forces show their respect as the casket carrying former Kenyan President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi arrives in his Kabarnet home, Rift Valley, Kenya, ahead of his burial. /Photo: Kenyan Presidency
Former Kenyan President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi was laid to rest on Wednesday at his Kabarak home in Kenya’s Rift Valley province.
Moi, Kenya’s second president, died on 4 February at the age of 95.
He was the East African country’s longest serving head of state, having held power for 24 years, from 22 August 1978 to 30 December 2002.
Ahead of his burial, the Kenyan government held a state funeral service in his honor. The service was led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and attended by leaders from around Africa, including Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, Djibouti President Omar Hassan Guelleh, Ethiopian President Sahle Work-Zewde and Nigerian vice president Yemi Osinbajo.
While addressing thousands of mourners gathered in Kabarak on Wednesday, President Kenyatta urged Kenyans to emulate the former president, hailing him as a mentor.
"We shall miss him and the greatest gift that we can give him is to emulate him in the things that we do everyday. May the Almighty God give this giant of Africa eternal rest and peace until we meet again." President Kenyatta said.
As Moi's body was laid to rest, the Kenya Defence Forces fired 19 cannons in honour. Fighter jets also performed a brief air show.
Source: Kenyan Presidency