ODM leader Raila Odinga has viewed the body of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi at Parliament buildings.
The former Prime Minister and his wife Ida Odinga arrived at Parliament grounds for the viewing of Moi’s body at 2.30pm.
While paying his respects to the late President Moi, Odinga took off his hat and waved a black fly-whisk over Moi’s body twice.
Contrary to the expectations of tanga tanga propaganda team, who thought that he would don a Luo traditional regalia and chant Luo dirges like he did at the funeral of former vice president Michael Wamalwa; Raila resorted to low-key formal mourning.
He held a black fly whisk gently waving it before finishing with a bow and putting on his hat and walking away. He was accompanied by his wife Ida Odinga and his son Raila Junior.
The former premier met Mzee Moi’s sons Gideon Moi (Baringo Senator) and Raymond Moi (Rongai Member of Parliament) who have been receiving guests coming to condole with the family.
“To the family of our president Daniel Moi. On behalf of the family of Jaramogi and my family. We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences,” he said.
Odinga hailed the late former president Moi as a dedicated leader. He made reference to 1958 when he first met Mzee Moi, during the time in which he was nominated to the Legislative Council alongside Odinga’s father Jaramogi.
He said that the last time he met Mzee Moi was at his Kabarak home, and he was as humorous as usual.
In their short chat, Senator Gideon Moi could be heard telling the ODM leader of the series of events lined up ahead of the burial of Mzee Moi. In response, Odinga nodded and gave his reassurance that he will attend the memorial service at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, and subsequent internment in Kabarak, Nakuru.
Raila’s visit was ended by a short thanksgiving message by Raymond Moi. He told Odinga that the family appreciated his visit and will be more grateful for his attendance in other ceremonies.
Odinga then went ahead to meet with the late President’s family members led by Rongai MP Raymond Moi and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
The public viewing of Moi’s body was kick started on Saturday by President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel also viewed the body on the first day.
A memorial service in honour of the late President will be held on Tuesday at the Nyayo stadium ahead of the funeral on Wednesday.
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