Former Kenyan safari rally ace Jonathan Moi was about to be flown out of the country for advanced treatment, a family source has revealed even as details about his death remain scanty.

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Through long-serving Press Secretary Lee Njiru, the family of retired President Daniel Moi has said that the octogenarian will not be able to receive mourners throughout the period perhaps due to his old age.

A family source told the Sunday Nation that Jonathan was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago at Nairobi Hospital. However, plans to fly him out of the country collapsed after his unexpected death at Mediheal Hospital in Nakuru.

His younger brother and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described him as a down-to-earth man who easily mingled with people despite his links to the royal family.

Baringo Senator, Gideon Moi eulogised his elder brother as a “selfless family man, amiable, social and down-to-earth and industrious human being,” through a public statement.

“Jonathan will be remembered for his daring exploits in the racing tracks, in muddy and dusty tracks, during this time of Easter,” he said and asked the public to allow the family to mourn privately.

Known for his exploits in safari rally, the deceased won over 800 trophies before retiring in 1997. He had an unsuccessful venture into politics when he lost Eldama Ravine parliamentary seat to Musa Sirma, his father's longtime ally.

Owing to his private life, nothing much is known about his family. However, his eldest son Collins has dominated headlines in the recent past after it emerged that he stole two phones from his own children.

Collins was also dragged into drama in Kitale where it's alleged that he abandoned his girlfriend in a hotel without paying bills. The family would later clear it when it (the matter) was raised by the media.