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As we veer off the tarmacked Sacho-Kabarnet road, we run straight into the thick indigenous Kipng’ochoch Forest.
It is a relief when we finally reach the lush green edge of the forest since the road has been steep and winding.
For a moment, one is awed by the fresh air in Kipng’ochoch and serenity accentuated by a cool breeze.
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According to ex-Senior Chief Weldon Labat, who was among those who accompanied Moi on most visits, the retired President seemed to derive peace of mind as he bore the heavy-burden of leading the nation.
"He always went in looking tense and quiet but he came out of the forest jovial, more relaxed and with a radiant smile," said Labat.
Mr Labat’s tenure as the area chief ended with that of the President when Moi also retired.
"I used to accompany him whenever he visited the forest," he said.
Hot season
Labat said the former President would visit any time of the year, mostly during hot seasons. There is no single year during his presidency that he failed to visit Kipng’ochoch.
Labat said the former Head of State would go to a particular spot accompanied by former Kabarnet Mayor, the late Philemon Chelagat and Mr Joel Bultut, who was Baringo District Kanu chairman. Others who accompanied Moi, he said, included elders of his age set — the Chumo and former Co-operative Bank chairman Hosea Kiplagat.
The former administrator said Moi last visited Kipng’ochoch in 2002 to talk with elders while he was drumming up support for then Kanu presidential
He said the former Head of State spent at least three hours but would at times spend the whole day chatting with elders as they sat on low chairs.
Labat said Moi’s security would remain at a safe distance while his cooks were on hand to serve him and his group food brought from his Kabarak or Sacho homes.
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| Ex-Chief Weldon Labat shows the scenery, which the former President Moi enjoyed seeing while at Kipng’ochoch picnic site. [PHOTO: AGNES WAMBUI/STANDARD] |
The first thing Moi would do, said Labat, was to check some trees he attached a lot of importance to, before moving to the high point where one could see the eastern and western part of Rift Valley from a panoramic view.
"Moi would first check on specific indigenous trees before proceeding to the high point and finally settle down for a chat with elders," he said.
At the peak of the site, one is able to espy Lake Baringo basin, the steaming geysers of Lake Bogoria, Laikipia Range and the imposing Tugen Hills on the eastern side.
Beautiful scenery
On the Western side, the magnificent Elgeyo Escarpment tantalises the eye, while the fluorspar mines and Kerio Valley are also within eyesight.
Labat says the former President would listen to stories from the elders recalling their youthful escapades that would send him into prolonged laughter.
"He would share stories with the elders about their youthful days," he said.
Always, the Head of State would end up advising the leaders on the need to conserve forests and good leadership qualities.
"As usual, Mzee is a man of wisdom and after light moments, he advised the leaders and elders on issues of importance to the country and their community," he said.
Fenced for security
The point, which was fenced off for the security of the former Head of State, is also a prayer site for the community during periods of calamity like drought.
Recently, students from Sacho High School went to the site to pray before they sat their
Chief Philip Korir said elders of old used to converge at Kipng’ochoch to perform rituals and pray for the prosperity of the community.
"During the drought of 1984, elders spent days at the site praying for rain and eventually it rained," said Mr Korir.
He said Kipng’ochoch has trees with medicinal properties, and which Moi has always been keen to see preserved.
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