In the rolling landscapes of Baringo County – part of the greater Rift Valley region whose heartbeat pulses through Nakuru – Daniel Toroitich arap Moi’s story began on 2 September 1924. Born in the village of Kuriengwo, Sacho locality, he would rise from a humble herder’s son to become Kenya’s longest-serving president, leading the country for 24 years (1978–2002).
But for Nakuru, Moi was not just a president. He was a neighbour, a leader whose political and personal life was deeply intertwined with the region. His Kabarak home in Rongai, Nakuru County, became both a seat of influence and a pilgrimage site for politicians, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens alike. Over the decades, Kabarak transformed from a private residence into a symbolic political courtyard where alliances were forged, disputes quietly resolved, and succession plans drawn.
The Nakuru Connection
Moi’s impact on Nakuru was felt across multiple fronts:
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Education: He championed the establishment and expansion of schools in the Rift Valley, including Nakuru’s environs. Kabarak High School, one of the country’s top-performing institutions, stands as a legacy of his belief in disciplined, Christian-based education.
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Social Welfare: The famous Nyayo milk programme – free packets of milk for primary school children – was rolled out in the 1980s and 1990s, benefitting countless pupils in Nakuru County and beyond, and remembered fondly by a generation.
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Infrastructure & Stability: While his critics decried the politics of patronage, Nakuru’s road network, public institutions, and government presence expanded significantly under his tenure. His insistence on peace and unity meant Nakuru, a melting pot of Kenya’s ethnic diversity, remained relatively stable even during volatile times in other parts of the country.
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Kabarak as a Power Hub: From retired presidents and international dignitaries to Rift Valley elders and local youth leaders, anyone seeking political legitimacy in the region often found themselves making the drive to Kabarak.
Leadership & Legacy
Moi’s leadership style – a blend of personal charm, political calculation, and iron-fist governance – earned him the nickname “Professor of Politics.” For Nakuru, it meant a steady stream of national attention, development projects, and, for some, opportunities tied to loyalty to the ruling party, KANU.
Even in retirement, Moi’s presence in Nakuru loomed large. His political “children,” many of them now national leaders, continued to seek his counsel. A visit to Kabarak was as much about paying respects as it was about positioning oneself in Kenya’s ever-shifting political chess game.
The Final Chapter
When he passed away on 4 February 2020 at age 95, Moi’s death was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who called him a “great man” and declared a period of national mourning. The news was felt deeply in Nakuru. Flags flew at half-mast, leaders from across Kenya – and Africa – poured into Kabarak, and ordinary residents lined the streets to pay tribute. For many in Nakuru, it marked the end of an era.
Loved and loathed in equal measure, Daniel arap Moi’s story cannot be told without Nakuru. From the tranquil lawns of Kabarak to the bustling streets of Nakuru Town, his legacy is woven into the region’s political history, its educational institutions, and its collective memory.
Whether remembered as a stabiliser or a symbol of authoritarian rule, Moi remains one of Nakuru’s most famous sons – a towering figure whose shadow will linger over the Rift Valley for generations.