Ruto, Raila expected at Mukami Kimathi’s burial as Gachagua hints of showdown
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President Ruto, Raila among leaders expected at Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi's burial, the first time opposition will be sharing podium with govt
President Ruto, Raila among leaders expected at Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi’s burial, the first time opposition will be sharing podium with govt.
President William Ruto and his political rival Raila Odinga are among a host of local leaders expected at Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi’s funeral on Saturday, May 13.
It will be the first time the two politicians will be in each other’s presence in as many days, following their spat over the 2022 General Election.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, May 7, hinted at a looming showdown between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, likely to take place during the burial ceremony of the late Mukami Kimathi.
Speaking during a memorial service of freedom fighter Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi, Gachagua revealed that Ruto will be attending her burial slated for Saturday, May 13.
The development came a few hours after Raila confirmed his attendance when he visited Lee Funeral Home where Mukami’s body was being preserved.
“The President has directed that the government take over the burial preparations of Mukami to give her a decent send-off.
“Ruto himself has promised he will lead the nation on that day as we bury our freedom fighter,” Gachagua remarked.
In an apparent response to Raila’s earlier assertion that no one would block him from attending the burial, Gachagua stated that everyone was welcome.
“We have heard some people indicate that they want to attend the burial and we want to assure them that they are welcome.
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“This burial will see a congregation of MauMau fighters who fought for independence and collaborators who helped colonisers take our land,” the DP announced.
In what might be a tense stage, Gachagua revealed that Mukami’s burial would offer a stage to discuss land injustices.
“The burial of Mukami, who was a freedom fighter, could kickstart a discussion about land ownership in Kenya.
“The Mau Mau fought for land but after independence, they did not get it. We would want to interrogate who benefitted from those lands and discuss what should be done going forward,” he animated the agenda during Mukami’s burial.
Raila while confirming his attendance, stated, “I cannot miss the funeral of Shujaa Mama Mukami wa Kimathi. We have been very close and I will be in Njabini for her final ceremony on earth.”
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