The family of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi has rejected a funeral gift of 6 cows and 50 sheep by a former governor and two Kajiado MPs.
A source within the family said the gift was a good gesture- but too little too late to make a difference in the funeral preparations.
The family source in Nakuru said the State had fully catered for the mourners and therefore would not be slaughtering the livestock as wished by the Kajiado MPs.
According to the family, they had not solicited for food to feed mourners.
“It was clear we are not receiving food gifts for the burial. All has been taken care of, ” said the source who requested anonymity.
“The animals will be given to the Regional Commissioner who will appoint somebody to take care of them first,” said the source.
He added that the cows gift gesture was in line with African traditions and they were appreciated.
“We have 30, 000 mourners. 6 cows may not even feed the security officers. We are thankful for this, but we are sorry,” said the source.
The source said the gifts were received by government officers and not the family.
Former Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye, Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko and Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchori and former Kajiado Senator Peter Mositet took the cows to Nakuru and were received by Regional Commissioner George Natembeya.
Hot News has reliably learnt the family had rejected the cow’s gift at the Kabarnet Gardens home in Nairobi forcing the team to travel to Nakuru.
It is not clear where the animals spent the night as Mr Natembeya reportedly said they could not be taken to any of the Moi’s farms in Nakuru.
However, when reached for comment, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya was non-committal.
“I have not received any animals. I also don’t want to say Yes or No. This is because I don’t know where those claims are coming from,” Natembeya told Hot News.
He added that there will be enough food for all the mourners to eat and celebrate Mzee Moi;s life after his burial.
Initially, the Government announced that the estimated 30,000 mourners will be given bread and soda.
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