Kenya mourns the death of Moi's eldest son

Jonathan Moi, the son of former President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi and the late Lena Moi, has passed away.

"We the family of H.E. Mzee Moi confirm the sad news on the passing on of Jonathan Toroitich. He was an amiable, social and down-to-earth and industrious human being," his family said in a statement.

"We are distraught as a family and we ask for your prayers and seek your understanding and indulgence to allow us to mourn privately," the statement added.

Tributes pour in 

Kenyan presidents past and present offered condolences to the Moi family.

"I have received the news this morning of the passing away of my friend and brother Jonathan Toroitich Moi with great shock and disbelief." President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Twitter.

"As I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to your Excellency, your family and friends, I pray God to grant each one of you the grace and strength to bear with the big loss. JT, as Jonathan was popularly known to many of us, was a humble, kind, generous and courageous person. JT's word was always his bond, he was dependable," Uhuru added.

"Our collective thoughts and prayers as a family and as a country are with you, your family and friends during this difficult period of mourning. May the Almighty God rest the soul of our brother and friend Jonathan Toroitich Moi in eternal peace," he added.

Former president Mwai Kibaki mourned Jonathan, saying he was a private person. 

"A self-effacing and private person, Jonathan will be remembered for his breakthroughs in motor sporting, farming and business," Kibaki said in a statement.

Who was Jonathan Moi?

Jonathan will be fondly remembered for his daring exploits as a rally driver, a sport he engaged in the 80s and 90s and amassed numerous awards before his retirement in 2000.

He switched to politics and in 2002, contested for the Eldama Ravine parliamentary seat but lost to Musa Sirma.

Before his death, he's been one of the advisors of his brother Gideon who is the chairman of the Kenya African National Union (KANU).