Daniel arap Moi retired from the presidency in December 2002 after 24 years in power, handing over to Mwai Kibaki following KANU's electoral defeat. The 2002 election was Kenya's first peaceful democratic transition, ending KANU's 40 year dominance. Moi had initially tried to install Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor, but the opposition National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) united to defeat KANU. After retirement, Moi retreated to his Kabarak home in the Rift Valley, maintaining a low political profile while remaining influential behind the scenes. He focused on his farm, his evangelical church, and occasionally hosted political leaders. Moi faced no prosecution for human rights abuses or corruption, protected by a gentleman's agreement with Kibaki. He died on February 4, 2020, at age 95, receiving a state funeral that highlighted his complex legacy: economic decline and repression alongside infrastructure development and eventual democratic transition.
See Also
Moi Presidency Kibaki Presidency Moi in Retirement at Kabarak
Sources
- Hornsby, Charles. 'Kenya: A History Since Independence.' I.B. Tauris, 2012.
- Nation Media Group. 'Moi Retirement Coverage.' December 2002.
- Standard Media Group. 'Moi Obituary.' February 2020.