He was president for over two decades and ruled with an iron fist, condemning anyone who dared to stand in his way to a life of abjection and penury. At his death he was regarded an African statesman and one of the wealthiest individuals in the country, and indeed the continent.
But just four years after his death, some members of the family of former President Daniel arap Moi can barely afford basics, including medical care.
A succession battle that is playing out in court has kept the millions he left in banks, where they lie untouched as some of his kin struggle to make ends meet.
The fate of the larger Moi family played out in Nakuru on Wednesday during a fundraiser in aid of the former head of states 14-year-old grandson who was in need of medical treatment.
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The harambee, led by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, President William Rutos right-hand man and confidant, has been interpreted in different circles to mean the continuation of a well calculated plan to neuter the Moi familys political influence in the Rift valley where Dr Ruto hails from, yet it also exposes the grim situation in the ex-presidents estate.
The son of Mois first-born son, the late Jonathan Toroitich, is suffering from a rare type of cancer, but has been unable to receive treatment due to financial constraints.
Jonathans widow had earlier made a public appeal, pleading with well-wishers for financial contributions to treat her sons condition.
The Rift Valley leaders, in response to the appeal, managed to raise a total of Sh6,150,000 towards the medical bill.
We now want you to prepare for the trip to India to begin the childs treatment. It is better to be told of a shortage of funds when the treatment has already begun than when it has not. This is a young child who needs to be taken care of by society, said Mr Sudi.
Other leaders who attended the event included Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek and former Soi MP Caleb Kositany. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Transport CS Kipuchumba Murkomen and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii sent their contributions.
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We have hearts that break when someone is in need; we should come forth to support them not for political mileage but for the humanitarian side so that they can live a comfortable life, said Mr Chelugui.
Although there was no politics in the event, the leaders decision to contribute for the wealthy family has raised the political antennae in the Rift Valley.
In the run-up to the last general elections, the politicians are among the few that displayed bravado, brashness and had a penchant for taking a rare dig at the Moi family, especially former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
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The Kanu leader, who lost his seat to UDAs William Cheptumo in the last election, was in 2020 picked to lead the Moi empire and has been under pressure to plan his next political move after his camp lost to President Rutos side in the 2022 polls.
The public appeal by Mois daughter-in-law in February this year brought to light the complexities surrounding the distribution of Mzee Mois vast Sh300 billion estate.
Currently, there is a succession case pending before the High Court and members have been tasked with identifying Jonathans property.
In a ruling last year, High Court judge Maureen Odera listed 19 beneficiaries of the estate of Jonathan, who died in April 2019.
His first wife Sylvia Toroitich was initially granted a temporary order to administer the estate, but the order was limited to offsetting bills and preserving the estate until the court made a final determination on the matter.
The judge had also directed each widow Sylvia, Beatrice Mbuli and Faith Nyambura to pick a representative to act as administrators of the estate.
The house of Beatrice picked April (a daughter), Ashney Mary was picked to represent the house of Faith, while Fredrick Kibichi was picked to represent the fourth house.
But before the case was heard, Mr Clint Kiprono Moi, one of Jonathans sons, made an application in February for DNA tests to be conducted to confirm the true heirs of the estate of his late father.
'In the interest of justice and to promote quick determination of the cause, it is only fair and just that the biological children of the deceased be ascertained,' Clint said in the application.
Clint said the application was necessitated by a move
