Moi Questions Bishop Over Death Threats
Sep 17, 2002
President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday demanded to know whether it was the recently retired Anglican Archbishop Dr. David Gitari who was planning to kill his preferred successor, Uhuru Kenyatta, or some other people.
By Reuben Olita
in Nairobi
President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday demanded to know whether it was the recently retired Anglican Archbishop Dr. David Gitari who was planning to kill his preferred successor, Uhuru Kenyatta, or some other people.
This came in the wake of Gitari’s statement last Sunday in his farewell speech where he allegedly said Uhuru Kenyatta might not live to see the presidency.
Gitari, who has retired after eight years as Archbishop of Nairobi, was delivering his last sermon while welcoming his successor, Benjamin Nzibi, at the All Saints Cathedral.
The prelate also criticised Moi’s reign, saying “it would be remembered for the misery and suffering it has brought upon Kenyans.â€
Moi said yesterday, “Some clergymen have turned to be agents of murder.â€
He said Gitari will have to furnish the government with full information regarding what he termed an evil scheme.
He said the clergymen were supposed to give spiritual nourishment and be the medium through which people could get blessings from God.
Gitari’s outburst is the first by a church leader against a politician in Kenya’s political history.
Over a decade ago, then cabinet minister Peter Habenga Okondo made a similar claim against Eldoret bishop Alexander Muge. He said the clergy would not come back alive if he dared set his foot in Busia, the home to the late Okondo. Muge died on his way back home near Kipkaren river in the Rift Valley Province.
The opposition to Moi’s preferred successor has been gathering steam.
Recently, Moi sacked long-serving vice-president Prof. Saitoti for opposing the Uhuru Kenyatta choice to succeed Moi.
A number of high profile politicians have formed the so-called Rainbow Alliance to bolster their opposition.
Presidential elections are expected in December to replace Moi who has ruled the East African country for 24 years.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the National Development Party (NDP), this year merged his organisation with the ruling party, KANU, on the understanding that Moi would back his bid for the presidency. It appears Moi went back on that promise, Odinga said on Monday.
Ends
in Nairobi
President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday demanded to know whether it was the recently retired Anglican Archbishop Dr. David Gitari who was planning to kill his preferred successor, Uhuru Kenyatta, or some other people.
This came in the wake of Gitari’s statement last Sunday in his farewell speech where he allegedly said Uhuru Kenyatta might not live to see the presidency.
Gitari, who has retired after eight years as Archbishop of Nairobi, was delivering his last sermon while welcoming his successor, Benjamin Nzibi, at the All Saints Cathedral.
The prelate also criticised Moi’s reign, saying “it would be remembered for the misery and suffering it has brought upon Kenyans.â€
Moi said yesterday, “Some clergymen have turned to be agents of murder.â€
He said Gitari will have to furnish the government with full information regarding what he termed an evil scheme.
He said the clergymen were supposed to give spiritual nourishment and be the medium through which people could get blessings from God.
Gitari’s outburst is the first by a church leader against a politician in Kenya’s political history.
Over a decade ago, then cabinet minister Peter Habenga Okondo made a similar claim against Eldoret bishop Alexander Muge. He said the clergy would not come back alive if he dared set his foot in Busia, the home to the late Okondo. Muge died on his way back home near Kipkaren river in the Rift Valley Province.
The opposition to Moi’s preferred successor has been gathering steam.
Recently, Moi sacked long-serving vice-president Prof. Saitoti for opposing the Uhuru Kenyatta choice to succeed Moi.
A number of high profile politicians have formed the so-called Rainbow Alliance to bolster their opposition.
Presidential elections are expected in December to replace Moi who has ruled the East African country for 24 years.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the National Development Party (NDP), this year merged his organisation with the ruling party, KANU, on the understanding that Moi would back his bid for the presidency. It appears Moi went back on that promise, Odinga said on Monday.
Ends