President M0i’s tenure ended on December 30, 2002 — which also marked the end of Kanu’s 39-year uninterrupted rule – When he handed over to President Mwai Kibaki. He handed over power peacefully to President Kibaki, who was his longest serving Vice President and who was then leading the opposition. As he handed over power, he said, “I will be leaving to be an ordinary citizen. But those who will assume leadership of this country I appeal to you not to bring Kenya to shame. Do not anchor your politics on hate. If there is anyone who insulted me, I forgive him. If I said something that hurt you, forgive me.”

Despite having being one of the longest serving Presidents in Africa, after leaving office, the former President avoided getting entangled in politics. In 2007, President Kibaki appointed his predecessor special peace envoy to Sudan, describing President Moi as an elder statesman with vast experience and knowledge of African affairs.