Gideon Moi endorsed as Mois political successor, handed famous fimbo ya nyayo

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi on Wednesday formally took over the political leadership of his father after he was handed a replica of the late Daniel Moi’s symbolic rungu.

In a move that Gideon termed as unexpected, his elder brother – Rongai MP Raymond Moi – summoned him to the dais during Moi’s State funeral in Kabarak, Nakuru County and entrusted him with leading the family and the community on political matters.

Raymond had earlier on been invited by an elder, on behalf of Moi’s extended family, to provide directions on who would be stepping into the massive shoes left behind by the late president who ruled Kenya for 24 years.

“I have been sent here to say that Mzee’s homestead cannot just remain empty because he is now no more. He was a lion, and lions give birth only to lions… which means that among his remaining children here, there is one that is lion enough to take over,” said the elder.

“According to tradition, it is the first born who is given the responsibility of taking care of the homestead, so I would like to call Raymond Moi – as the first born – to give us directions, because somebody must fill Mzee’s shoes and his rungu cannot just remain dormant.”

Upon taking to the podium, Raymond reminded the crowd that he is still Moi’s eldest surviving son and so is, by default, the leader of the family.

He however stated that, politically, his younger brother is best placed to take charge of the household and the entire Kalenjin community at large to continue Moi’s legacy.

“Looking at this thing (rungu)…in terms of seniority, I am now the leader of the family. But, in terms of politics, I want to give this to Gideon. And I want to say that, just the way Mzee looked after us; the way Mzee looked after Kenya; we also want to tell him (Gideon) to ensure KANU is revived,” said Raymond.

“We want KANU to be revived, and we also want to be part of the BBI because we are behind Raila Odinga and we are behind the President in trying to create a better Kenya for all of us. So I’m giving Gideon Mzee’s rungu, not the real one, and if he pussyfoots then I am also here.”

Gideon, on his part, said: “Honestly, I was not expecting this…and even holding this rungu…I will do my best, putting God forward, so thank you to the Moi family and to the Kalenjin community.”

Senator Gideon Moi takes over the political leadership of Mzee Moi’s family after his elder brother Raymond hands over the symbolic rungu. #TheLastSalute pic.twitter.com/aMxHbZKnBz

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 12, 2020

According to a Kalenjin elder who spoke to Citizen Digital, the handover of the rungu to Gideon is of absolute significance since it implies he has been entrusted with making sure Moi’s politics stay alive.

This, in essence, as opined the elder, “makes him (Gideon) the defacto kingpin in Moi’s lineage.

The rungu was a constant sight throughout Moi’s entire 24-year reign as Kenya’s president and only ever left his hands on few occasions.

It was viewed by many as a sign of power and was a key part of his Nyayo philosophy, hence was christened ‘Fimbo Ya Nyayo.’