Veteran politician Mark Too has been termed as a unique confidant to retired President Daniel arap Moi during the latter days of his reig...
Veteran politician Mark Too has been termed as a unique confidant to retired President Daniel arap Moi during the latter days of his reign which were characterized by heightened political schemes.
According to former Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo who served as Presidential Escort Commander during Moi’s tenure, Too commanded the President’s attention despite a busy schedule.
Addressing mourners during a memorial service at the African Inland Church (AIC) Milimani, Kimaiyo described Too’s relationship with the longest serving President in Kenya’s history, as one that transcended the meticulous protocol put in place by State House to keep off unauthorized persons from accessing the Head of State.
“When I was the Presidential Escort Commander of President Moi, nobody was allowed to see the President after six o’clock in the evening,” said Kimaiyo. “But this is the man who was able to penetrate and see him (Moi) even after midnight. This is a unique person that the President was able to accept and allow at that time.”
His sentiments were backed by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria who described Too as a great negotiator who helped Moi survive an impeachment motion sponsored by retired President Mwai Kibaki and seconded by Siaya Senator James Orengo.
According to Kuria, Too disclosed to him how he (Too) with the help of the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa (former Vice President), managed to save Moi from an impeachment motion by convincing a few other legislators to vote against the motion.
“He (Too) would tell me how he helped Mzee Moi to overcome the motion of no confidence that was moved by Mwai Kibaki and seconded by James Orengo,” Kuria recalled. “He would tell me how he went and picked Kijana Wamalwa and nine other MPs who tipped the balance in favour of Moi.”
Too is also said to have played an active role in advising the President on developments in the political arena after repeal of the infamous Section 2A under the old Constitution, a development that gave rise to intensified efforts by Opposition parties to end Moi’s reign.
“He would try to talk to Moi about anything and Moi wouldn’t listen. He would then tell him (Moi), “Let’s take a walk,” and he would listen,” said Kuria during the memorial service held at the AIC Milimani.
Too, who died on New Year’s Eve will be laid to rest on Monday at his Kapseret home in Uasin Gishu County after yet another memorial service at his rural home on Sunday.
The memorial service was also attended by Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Nairobi County Governor Dr Evans Kidero, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso.
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