To many Kenyans, they lost an icon and a former President, but to NEP, a murderer’s heart stopped beating
Wajir, Kenya – On Monday morning, Kenyans received the sad news of the demise of former President Daniel Arap Moi. A man who ruled Kenya for 24years of tyranny. He took over the leadership in 1978 after the death of Kenya’s first President Jomo kenyatta. He died at 95.
Moi’s demise was a shocking news to the political class as well as the current administration in Kenya, to them it was just like the death of any other celebrated icon, a father figure and a retired President, but to the people of North Eastern Kenya the atmosphere was different. NEP recieved the news with smile and different kind of traditional dances.
Moi’s death awakened the harrowing tales of genocides he committed against the people of North Eastern Kenya. It is believed that under Moi’s government , thousands of Kenyan-Somalis were butchered in Garissa in 1980, Malka Mari of Mandera in 1982 and Wagalla of Wajir in 1984. Wagalla Massacre is still considered one of Kenya’s worst cases of human rights abuses.
It is in respect of the victims that segregated the people of NEP from the rest of kenyans in sympathizing with Moi’s family but instead danced on his grave.
While Kenya’s flag was flying half mast in all government institutions with a beefed up security at Lee Funeral home in respect of the former Commander in Chief of the armed forces, the situation in Northern part of the country was different.
Wagalla Airstrip,nine miles away from Wajir Town, the same airstrip where 5000 men of ethnic Somalis were murdered was full of survivors of the massacre and families of the departed men, their motive was one, to celebrate the death of Moi. A man they believe he butchered their kinsmen and left thousands helpless orphans and widows.
The elite class were not left out, social media was awash with different kind of messages, some consoling the bereaved family while others wishing the body of the late Moi to rot in the hell grave.
“In 10 days time, we will be celebrating the lives of over 5000 innocent souls massacred by the Moi regime at Wagalla airstrip 36 years ago. I hear mzee Moi passed on this morning. May you rest in wherever the almighty decides you deserve to rest! Let the almighty be the JUDGE!” Weheliye Mohamed, an economist wrote on Twitter.
Kenyans on Twitter(KOT) coiled a special hashtag ” #GoToHellMoi” , which came out as the Top trending hashtag of the day.
Other Kenyans who were bitter with the leadership of the late retired President Moi were not exceptional, many come out guns blazing characterizing him as a dictator and a man who committed the worst cases of human rights violations.
“There’s an ELITE PROTECTION RACKET in Kenya. Why are Kenya’s ruling class, the intelligentsia, and the media falling over each other to LAUNDER, SANITIZE, and IMMORTALIZE Daniel Moi? The DICTATOR looted Kenya, impoverished it, and committed GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. Shame!” Prof Makau Mutua, a Kenyan lawyer wrote on Twitter.
Although many leaders will show up on the burial of the late retired President and shower him with warm eulogies, it is evident that a good population of Kenyans will celebrate his death and unleash the dark part of Moi’s history.
In 9 days time, Wajir County will mark 36 years since Wagalla massacre, but now without the presence of Moi. It is not clear whether the TJRC report will be implemented fully or be buried with the body of the late President. Victims of Wagalla massacre still yearn for justice.
