On May 13, a funeral will be held for Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi, and political rivals William Ruto and Raila Odinga are expected to attend. This will mark the first time that the two politicians will be in the same presence since their disagreement over the 2022 General Election.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that Ruto would attend the funeral and that the government would cover the burial expenses because it is fitting of Mukami’s reputation to have a proper send-off.
Dedan Kimathi, her late husband, and Mukami volunteered to fight British colonial forces to liberate the country, and DP Gachagua praised her as selfless for doing so.
On the other hand, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, has called on the State to give Mukami a State Funeral at Uhuru Gardens, where freedom fighters were tortured.
He also said that he would attend the funeral because he and Mukami were close friends. At the age of 96, Mukami passed away after suffering from an extended illness.
To plan Mukami’s burial, a national funeral committee has been set up by the government and will be led by Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration.
While it remains to be seen how the funeral will play out, it is heartening to see these political rivals put aside their differences to mourn a noble woman who fought for the liberation of her country.