What birthday gift would you give retired President Moi?

By Alex Kiprotich

African life 86 years ago was in a state of nature. One would walk around in patched up animal hide — no telephone, Internet or vehicle.

Those born in that era probably lived through history, seeing the transformation of the society from the brutish basic lifestyle to the modern hi-tech society where by the touch of a button things happen.

And yesterday, as former President Moi celebrated his 86th birthday at his Kabarak home, he perhaps reflected the steps he has gone through. He grew up at a time when birthday celebrations were alien as children and parents knew birth dates through seasons.

It might have been during a dry spell, rainy season, a year of plenty harvest or even when locusts invaded a region.

Moi’s birthday yesterday was the ninth since he retired in 2002 as president.

He marked his first year birthday as Head of State at 55, nine days after he was sworn in as the acting president in 1978. And in 2002 as he exited the country’s top job, he had celebrated his 78th birthday.

So what would you give such a man as a gift for his birthday? For many of us it wouldn’t take a second to decide what we would give our friends or nephews for a birthday, but what about a former Head of State?

Amos Kareithi says he would present the former President with a copy of comedy group Redykyulass’ video where Moi is imitated dancing ndombolo.

Retired President Moi and his granddaughter Lulu Chematia during a party to mark his 86th birthday at his Kabarak home, yesterday. Lulu also celebrated her 13th birthday on the same day. Looking on are Gideon Moi, the former President’s son and other family members. [PHOTO: Solomon Tallam/STANDARD]

Mr Kareithi says he would also request the former President to watch it in his presence to see his reaction.

"I have seen him laugh heartily in public when groups entertain him, so I would want to see him react to the Redykyulass shows," he says.

Kareithi is sure the former President would be tickled by the comedy group’s shows and that would make his birthday a day to remember.

Appreciation

Linda Bach says she would buy the former President a replica of the baton (rungu) he always carries with him wherever he goes.

"This will be nice in case he misplaces the real one. I don’t think he can go anywhere without it because it is part of his dress code," she says.

Maore Ithula would present Moi a beautiful carving of a pen. Mr Ithula says flowers and cards are not enough for Moi as a gift because he is an African statesman.

"He does not need money, but a show of appreciation. His development in the education sector must be appreciated and I will give him a carving of a pen," he says.

Moses Totona would go for the African traditional stool and the flywhisk for a birthday gift.

Mr Totona says the choice is to reflect his position in the society and the accomplishments in his life.

"The stool symbolises his position as an elder. It also reflects his age. Not anyone can sit on a traditional three-legged stool in the Kalenjin community," he says.

For John Oywa, his ultimate gift for the statesman will be a collection of popular patriotic songs common during the Moi era.

"I would buy for the former President a remix of the once popular patriotic songs such as Tawala Kenya that appeared to have died with his regime, but which many Kenyans remember with nostalgia."

He adds: "An alternative to this will be to re-assemble the once famous Muungano Choir members and take them to Kabarak for a special performance.

"The Mzee will surely tap his foot on the ground and nod in appreciation as he did during such performances in the past," Oywa noted.

And for this writer, a painting of the President dressed in full Kanu colours — to remind him of the party that ruled the country for 24 years — would be a fitting birthday gift.