After a week of speculations, Moi Day was been declared a public holiday yesterday (8.10.2019).
The 10th of October will once again be a day to commemorate the second president of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Daniel arap Moi. However, based on the public announcement, less emphasis is being placed on the leader and his legacy, and more focus being drawn towards urging Kenyans to do a good deed for one another.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i confirms October 10, 2019, as a public holiday #MoiDay in line with a court decision made in 2018; asks Kenyans to mark the day will selfless acts of service to their community.
Kenyans to enjoyment: pic.twitter.com/27AntqRNxL
— Brian Mbunde ™ (@Brianmbunde) October 9, 2019
The announcment that was released on October 8th, and signed by Hon. Fred Matiang’i urged Kenyans to ‘mark the day with selfless acts of service to their community that seek to promote patriotism, national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for their benefit of present and future generations.”
However, it seems that some Kenyans are not convinced that Moi Day should even exist at all.
Based on afew tweets that have circulated online, the idea of a day to commemorate President Moi’s 24 years at the helm of power is questionable and to some, it is even disturbing. Known for several economic scandals, as well as jarring levels of corruption, Moi’s rule is marked with strife and struggle for the Kenyan public. The times that popularized the phrase ‘mnyoke hana haki’ which translates to the ‘no justice for the poor’, Moi’s era is associated with bitter memories for many. And some Kenyans on Twitter might just agree.
#MoiDay should be interesting KOT. We should highlight everything Nyayo messed so as to stop these leeches from celebrating theme selves after looting the country.
Everything Nyayo did wrong.
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) October 8, 2019
What exactly do we celebrate on #MoiDay?
-Corruption
-Landgrabbing
-Tribalism
-Extrajudicial executions
-Torture
-Bad governance
-Other economic crimes
-Kalenjinalization of uniformed boys
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
And free milk to school kids after stealing the same milk from their parents.— KABABA (@GeneralWaitish) October 8, 2019
Why cant we all talk about the evil Moi did to our nation? Why are we afraid? Better still why do we castigate those who call out President Moi for the evils he meted on this nation? Does it mean the old dont face the Justice system? Are we not the greatest hypocrites? #MoiDay
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) October 8, 2019
But the discussion have brought on conversations on other national heroes who deserve most appreciation. According to chatter on the Twittersphere, Kenya’s thrid president H.E Mwai Kibaki and Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai are more deserving of their own public holidays.
We should have something, even a day to remember Kibaki like we have #MoiDay tomorrow. For all I care Kibaki emancipated us from economic slavery. That is something!
— Patriot 254🦅🇰🇪 (@Mutugian_K) October 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/johnnjenga/status/1181632946471657475
President Moi’s leadership was questionable. However, there are afew thing he did well for the nation in regards to his shuttle diplomacy efforts, giving Kenya its prominent position within the region. Nontheless, it might be time to give some of our Kenyan heroes such as Prof. Wangari Maathai, marathoner Eluid Kipchoge, award winning teacher Peter Tabachi, or even Dominic Troulan the former marine who saved the lives of 200 people during the Westgate attack their dues.
Surely, something should be done to give these heroes their due respect.
