D. T. Moi.

Daniel Toroitich arap Moi turned ninety yesterday. A great milestone in the life of a great man. He is a man whose life has been greatly influential and imperative in the Kenyan political scene. Of all the politicians in this country of ours, he is the only one whom I respect. He was known as the professor of politics, a title he earned by his great and infamous political deeds. After the death of Jomo Kenyatta he became the president for ninety days and liked it. And he sat on that seat for 24 years regardless of all the hitches he faced all along. One of the best traits about Moi is that in his political career, he was no hypocrite. He was corrupt and vicious and the whole world knew it. He was also kind and primary school kids knew that 'maziwa ni ya Nyayo'. He also filled the police force with individuals from his tribe. A deed that became the gist of comedians as they satirized the police using their comical accent.
Moi's presence was felt by all his subjects. From the farmer in a remote village listening to his Shortwave radio to the bodyguards who walked around him. Everybody knew who was in charge. His portrait was everywhere, the countrys' currency, shops and every single public office, had his own Nyayo philosophy and a phrase in the scout's loyalty pledge. He even had a whole day(October 10) named after him.
Moi played political chess in an era when everyone played checkers. He was an assistant to the first president, a senior to the former(Mwai Kibaki) and a mentor to the current. In 2002 when he chose Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor many people did not give it a second thought. Well, his choice is now the president and whether we like it or not Moi's political relevance will be around for a long long time. For many more decades to come, Kenyan politicians will remain eclipsed in Mr. Moi's shadow.
He is Kenya's very own Julius Ceasar. Happy birthday Moi. May you live for many more happy years.