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Daniel arap Moi
Daniel Toroitich arap Moi was a Kenyan politician who served as the country’s second president, holding office from 1978 to 2002, making him Kenya’s longest-serving leader. Before becoming president, he was the vice president under Jomo Kenyatta. Moi initially gained popularity, especially with Western nations, but his rule became increasingly authoritarian, marked by human rights abuses and corruption. He allowed multiparty elections in 1991 under pressure but was criticized for overseeing unfair elections in 1992 and 1997.
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DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOI
Daniel Toroitich arap Moi was born on September 2, 1924, in the village of Kuriengwo in Baringo County, Kenya. His early life was marked by the loss of his father when he was just four years old. Raised by his elder brother, Moi was one of the few boys chosen to attend the Africa Inland Mission School, where he embraced Christianity and took the name Daniel. His education journey led him to Tambach and Kagumo Teacher Training Colleges, and he later became a teacher, headmaster, and community leader in Kenya's Rift Valley.
Moi entered the political arena in 1955 when he was elected to the Legislative Council for Rift Valley. He quickly became a significant figure, co-founding the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) in 1960 as a counterpoint to Jomo Kenyatta’s Kenya African National Union (KANU). Despite KADU's push for federalism, Kenya ultimately adopted a centralized government, and Moi merged KADU with KANU, rising to the position of Vice President in 1967. Though his ascent was met with resistance from some Kikuyu elites, Kenyatta’s support helped solidify his place in national leadership.
Upon Kenyatta's death in 1978, Moi became president, a position he held for 24 years. His early years in power were marked by widespread popularity, but this was shaken by a failed coup attempt in 1982. Moi used this event to consolidate power, banning opposition parties and establishing Kenya as a one-party state. Under his rule, Kenya experienced political repression and economic challenges, with reports of human rights abuses and corruption becoming more common, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.
International pressure and internal dissent eventually forced Moi to allow multi-party elections in 1991. However, he maintained power through the 1992 and 1997 elections, both of which were marred by allegations of fraud and ethnic manipulation. His government was implicated in several scandals, including the infamous Goldenberg affair, which led to significant financial losses for Kenya.
By the time Moi's presidency ended in 2002, he was constitutionally barred from seeking another term. He endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor, but the election was won by Mwai Kibaki. Moi retired from active politics, though he continued to play a role in public life, including serving as a peace envoy to Sudan.
Despite his controversial legacy, Moi was also known for his commitment to education, having founded numerous schools and Kabarak University. He remained a devout Christian throughout his life. Moi passed away on February 4, 2020, at the age of 95 (though his family claimed he was 105), and was buried with full military honors next to his wife Lena in Nakuru County.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Daniel arap Moi assumed office as Kenya’s president on August 22, 1978, following the death of President Jomo Kenyatta. As Kenyatta’s Vice President, Moi was constitutionally designated to take over as acting president, and later, he was declared president unopposed. His rise to power was initially met with resistance from some Kikuyu elites, but Kenyatta had ensured that Moi would be his successor.
Moi's presidency lasted until December 30, 2002, when he stepped down after serving the maximum two terms allowed by Kenya’s constitution. Despite endorsing Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor, Mwai Kibaki won the election, marking the peaceful end of Moi’s long presidency.