Moi to Get 19-Gun Salute, Body to be Ferried on a Gun Carriage

The body of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi will be transported from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament buildings on a gun carriage, the government said.

This was disclosed by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua on Thursday while announcing the official program of Moi’s funeral arrangements. Kinyua, who spoke during a media briefing outside Harambee House, said Moi will be accorded full military honors including a 19-gun salute.

“The former head of state will be accorded full military ceremonial honors which shall include conveyance of the body of the former head of state under escort in a gun carriage accompanied by military musical honors and a 19-gun salute,” said Kinyua.

The ferrying of the casket on a gun carriage is a tradition that is widely used in state funerals worldwide. Gun carriages are mainly used to carry the coffins of fallen soldiers at military funerals and holders of high office with a military connection in state funerals to their final resting place.

Kinyua said the cortège will leave Lee Funeral Home on Saturday at 8:15 am and will be conveyed to Parliament buildings with the casket being draped in the national flag and escorted by the family of Moi.

His body will lie in state in Parliament for three days starting Saturday, February 8th, until Monday 10th. President Uhuru, who is currently on a tour to the United States, is expected to fly back on Friday night and lead Kenyans in viewing the body and paying their last respects.

“His excellency Uhuru Kenyatta will on Saturday lead the nation in the viewing of the body of the former president as well as the paying of last respects. The Head of State is expected to arrive at Parliament buildings at 10:15 am…” said Kinyua.

Moi, 95, succumbed to an illness on Tuesday morning at the Nairobi Hospital, where he was under the care of specialists for close to four months. 

There will be a state funeral on Tuesday, February 11th, followed by a state burial at his home in Kabarak, Nakuru County on Wednesday, February 12th.