Raila to attend Mukami Kimathi’s burial
By Francis Muli, May 7, 2023
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has confirmed that he will attend the burial of the late Mukami Kimathi.
Speaking at Lee Funeral Home on Sunday, Raila said he had been very close to Mukami, and he would have to bid farewell to the freedom fighter.
“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,” Raila stated.
The opposition leader however wants the state to honour Mukami as a freedom heroine with a state funeral at Uhuru Gardens, where Mau Mau freedom fighters were tortured.
“I would wish the final state funeral service in honour of the late Maitu Mukami Kimathi be held at Uhuru Gardens where Mau Mau freedom fighters were being tortured,” Raila said.
Mukami, the late widow of freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, died on Thursday aged 96 after a long illness.
Mukami Kimathi’s burial
In a statement, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that Mukami will be buried on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home in Njabini, Nyandarua County.
The ceremony will be presided over by President William Ruto.
“In consultation with the family, we have agreed that the funeral service will be held on Saturday, 13th May, 2023, at her home in Njabini, Nyandarua County, and will be presided over by H.E President Ruto,” Gachagua said.
The government has also set up a national funeral committee to plan Mukami’s burial, which will be chaired by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo.
“The Government has agreed to the request by the family of the late hero that all surviving and other freedom fighters will be accorded special recognition during the service. I urge all Kenyans at this difficult moment to pray for the family of Dedan Kimathi and Mukami Kimathi at this difficult moment,” Gachagua said.