Former President Daniel Arap Moi, a towering figure in Kenyan history, left behind a legacy as complex as it is enduring. Following his death in 2020, intimate details about his life and faith began to emerge, captivating the nation.
Among these revelations was a deeply personal note, carefully preserved in his Bible for nearly two decades. This note, handwritten and poignant, offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual compass of Kenya’s second President.
Tucked between the pages of his well-worn Bible, the note bore a message that seemed to define Moi’s life philosophy:
“Step by step, step by step I will follow Jesus, every day all the way, I will follow Jesus.”
These words, inspired by Genesis 28:17 and titled Gate of Heaven, were written on May 8, 2005, during a quiet moment at the Kabarak Chapel. Beyond this, Moi had also reflected on the passage from 2 Timothy 3:10, titling it The Joy of Knowing Christ.
The note wasn’t merely a scribble; it was a ritual. Moi is said to have transferred it from one Bible to another, ensuring it stayed close to him until his passing in 2020.
When his death was announced by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta on February 4, 2020, it marked the end of an era.
“It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I announce the passing of a great African statesman, H.E. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi,” said Kenyatta, in a message that stirred the emotions of many Kenyans.
Though Moi’s 24-year presidency (1978–2002) has been both celebrated and criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, his commitment to education, environmental conservation, and regional stability remains a testament to his complex legacy.
The discovery of this note in his Bible adds yet another dimension to Moi’s story, sparking curiosity about the man behind the political persona. What other secrets might his personal belongings hold? Could they reveal more about the values that guided one of Kenya’s most influential leaders?
Explore the mystery behind Moi’s note and what it reveals about the leader’s enduring faith.