On Tuesday, November 20, 2018, a group of religious leaders from Rift Valley publicly asked politicians to stop dragging retired President Daniel Moi and his family into political fights.
Speaking at a press conference, the clergy, led by Rev Joel Chebii, said it was wrong for leaders to invoke Moi’s name for political gain. Chebii said those in leadership and those seeking office should leave the former president out of their campaigns and disputes.
“Wenye wako uongozini na wanatafuta tafadhali muwache jina ya former president Moi. Wacha mzee apumzike maana alifanya kazi yake ambaye sisi tunashukuru,”
He added that Moi had already served the country and deserved to rest. In his remarks, Chebii said the retired president was not seeking any seat and should not be pulled into current political battles.
The comments came a day after Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, accused Moi’s family of financing MPs to attack the DP’s name over the maize scandal. The Rift Valley leaders dismissed that claim and said the former president had already contributed to national development.
Chebii said Moi’s record included church and school projects, and insisted politics should not be taken that far. The intervention reflected growing tension around the use of Moi’s name in the wider political contest that would continue into 2022.
