On Saturday, May 13, Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi's funeral is expected to be attended by several local leaders, including President William Ruto and his political rival Raila Odinga. This comes after Kenya lost one of the few remaining Mau Mau veterans, Mama Mukami Kimathi, wife to former Mau Mau fighter Dedan Kimathi. Mukami Kimathi was confirmed dead by her family. She passed away while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
The passing of Mama Mukami Kimathi has been received with deep sorrow by many Kenyans, including top politicians who mourned her as a hero who fought for the independence of Kenya. President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga expressed their condolences to Mama Mukami's family.
The government has announced that Mama Mukami will be given a state funeral, and a funeral committee has been established to oversee the preparations. Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, chairs the committee.
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With the funeral already set for Saturday, May 13, leaders from across the political divide are expected to attend. Specifically, Raila Odinga and William Ruto are expected to meet and share a podium for the first time since the Aug 2022 polls.
On Sunday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that President William Ruto will attend the funeral. Gachagua stated that he had met the family of Field Marshal Muthoni to check on the burial preparations. Speaking to mourners at Mukami's memorial service in Njabini, the deputy president stated that the government would meet the burial expenses.
A State Funeral for the late Mama Mukami, preferably at the Uhuru Gardens, where freedom warriors were tortured, was requested in a statement by Azimio leader Raila Odinga. Since they were close with Mama Mukami and the family, Raila has also indicated that he will attend the funeral.
Raila confirmed that he could not miss the funeral of Shujaa Mama Mukami wa Kimathi. According to Raila, they have been very close, and he will be in Njabini for her final ceremony. He even suggested that the state funeral of Mukami be held at Uhuru Gardens, where Mau Mau freedom fighters were being tortured.
With the two top leaders already confirming their attendance at the funeral, Kenyans will be watching to see how they will treat or use the platform to attack each other.
