Sh2 Million Coffin: Inside Sh300 Million Budget for Moi’s Funeral

The government will spend at least Sh300 million on the funeral of the late former president Daniel Arap Moi, who died at the Nairobi Hospital on February 4th.

Moi, who served as Kenya’s second president for 24 years, will be buried in a State funeral at his Kabarak home on Wednesday. The final send-off will be graced by President Kenyatta, a number of visiting heads of state and several other foreign dignitaries.

Moi’s casket was reportedly imported from South Africa and cost the taxpayer Sh2 million, excluding transport costs, according to a report by The Star. Further, the State will pay Moi’s medical bill at the Nairobi Hospital, which is reported to be on the upwards of Sh100 million. During his four-month stay at Nairobi Hospital, Moi used two presidential rooms, each going for Sh98,000 per day.

The budget will also be used to feed 30,000 mourners at Moi’s burial with sodas, bread, and bottled water. Logistics involving the military, and the National government, including the printing of programs, condolence books, and merchandise will consume the lion’s share of the budget.

The Star said it could not establish how much will be paid to Lee Funeral Home, which has been preparing and storing the remains since February 4th.

The government also spent money upgrading roads leading to Moi's Sacho home in Kabarak as wells as hiring thousands of chairs and tents to be used during the funeral.

In addition, a chunk will be spent on accommodation and transport for visiting heads of state and hundreds of foreign dignitaries attending the burial.

On Monday, the Interior Ministry announced that at least 10 heads of states were expected to attend Moi’s burial. Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) attended a memorial service on Tuesday.

Other leaders present included Tanzania's former presidents Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete, Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic's President Brahim Ghali.

An unknown amount was also set aside for the refurbishment of Nyayo National Stadium, where a memorial service was held on Tuesday.