Officer Leonard Yator who was young President Uhuru Kenyatta's driver dies

Bodyguard who was Uhuru's driver dies

Mumbi Mutuko

February 8, 2019 8:08 AM

Rest in peace

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta with young President Uhuru Kenyatta

An officer who served at the elite Presidential Escort Unit in both President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his successor Daniel Arap Moi has passed away.

Leonard Yator died on Thursday at the age of 87.

Mr Yator joined the police force at the tender age of 20 years back in 1952. Upon completing training, Yator was deployed as a driver in the police service.

Assignments

Under the founding father of the nation, Yator was assigned the duty of dropping young President Uhuru Kenyatta to and from school from their Gatundu home.

Founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta with then vice president Daniel Arap Moi & young Uhuru Kenyatta Pulse Live Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta had dropped by to greet the family during a tour in Uasin Gishu County when he was the Finance Minister.

Yator had served under several presidential escort commanders among them Elijah Sumbeiywo, Charles Kimurgor, Stanley Kiptum Manyinya and Samson Cherambos before his retirement.

He was described as a trusted officer who worked with dedication and provided services to the country under several commanders.

Family

Family members who confirmed the death said that Yator died of heart complications at a hospital in Eldoret. He left two widows, seven children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Former President Moi guard Yator Arap Chomber Pulse Live Kenya

His daughter, Rhoda Yator described her father as a conservative man who spoke little about his work but loved his duties under President Daniel Moi.

His two wives, Susan and Christine, and sister, Sarah Kosgei, described him as a family man who ensured his children received the best education and supported his extended family and neighbours.

The wives further disclosed that Yator was a close confidant of retired President Moi, whom he diligently served, first when he was vice president and later after he became president.

Mumbi Mutuko