Daniel Arap Moi, the second president of Kenya, was a powerful and influential leader who played a significant role in shaping the country’s political and social landscape. However, his ex-wife, Lena Tungoi, was not a well-known figure among the citizens of Kenya.
Unlike other presidents, Moi’s late wife never accompanied him to public events or other official business, which made her a mysterious and enigmatic personality.
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Moi’s Marriage
Moi and Lena’s marriage was a traditional affair that took place in 1950 at the African Inland Church Mission in Eldama Ravine. The ceremony was a modest one, and Moi paid two heifers, one ox, and four sheep to the Bomett family as dowry.
Moi’s long-time friend, Francis Cherogony, was the best man. However, there were no cameramen present at the ceremony to capture the memories of the event.
Why Divorce Moi divorced Lena
Moi and Lena’s marriage was not without its challenges, and it eventually came to an end due to a dance event that took place at Rift Valley Technical College. The event was attended by the late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, among other prominent people.
During the event, Mzee Moi danced with Mama Ngina Kenyatta, so Lena was expected to do the same with Jomo Kenyatta.
Mzee Kenyatta invited Lena to dance with him, however she confidently declined the invitation, citing her religious belief and this angered the late Moi.
After the incident, Lena left the Vice President’s official residence in Kabarnet Gardens and relocated to their ranch in Baringo.
Thereafter, she embraced rural life, living a low-key existence away from the limelight she had been accustomed to before. Although Moi and Lena faced differences as early as 1974, the latter’s refusal to dance with Kenyatta hastened the divorce.
The two officially got divorced in 1979, which was a significant event in the political and social landscape of Kenya.
Despite her low profile, Lena was a Sunday school teacher at the mission centre in Eldama Ravine, where she played a crucial role in shaping the lives of young children.
Her dedication to her work and her connection to the community made her a respected and admired figure among the locals. Lena’s role as a teacher and her connection to the community added to her mystique and made her a fascinating figure in the history of Kenya.
