Nairobi — It is now official - retired President Moi will back and campaign for his successor Mwai Kibaki's re-election in the General election expected later this year.

The former President made the announcement this morning, finally confirming long held expectation that he would support the incumbent.

Addressing journalists at his Kabarnet Gardens residence in Nairobi, Mr Moi who was accompanied by his private secretary John Lokorio and spokesman Lee Njiru described President Kibaki as the best candidate for the seat.

"I am convinced that President Mwai Kibaki ought to be given a chance to complete the constitutionally-accepted two-term tenure," Mr Moi said.

He added: "My reason for this decision is that President Kibaki, by virtue of his office as Head of State and Government of Kenya is a symbol of nationhood."

Mr Moi dismissed ODM and ODM-Kenya presidential candidates as visionless, tribal, selfish and liars.

Although he could not name them, Mr Moi said President Kibaki opponents were only interested in leadership and warned that if allowed, they could plunge the country into chaos.

Mr Moi said none of the aspirants had a clear and credible manifesto spelling out development strategies for Kenyans.

"All one hears is high-sounding rhetoric, giving false hopes to the people, as if a politician can develop the country in exclusion of individual participation and hardwork of every Kenyan. While imagination and creativity are in order, pragmatism is a must.