Ruto and Gachagua Extend Warm Welcome to Raila at Mukami Funeral
President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, greeted Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio La Umoja party, at the funeral of Mau Mau veteran Mukami Kimathi.
Raila, accompanied by the secretary general of Jubilee, Jeremiah Kioni, arrived at Mukami’s home in Nyandarua on Saturday, 13 May, approximately an hour after Ruto’s arrival.
After paying his respects, he viewed the deceased’s body.
To the delight of the audience, Ruto and Gachagua stood and shook Raila’s hand before the President separated them with a shoulder tap.
As he took his seat, the audience erupted in applause, temporarily stopping the funeral.
Minutes after Raila, former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga arrived at the event. Mwangi wa Iria, the former governor of Muranga, was also a member of Raila’s entourage.
ALSO READ: Raila Odinga Accuses Ruto of Being an Enemy of “Hustler Nation
Ruto and Raila met publicly for the first time since the 9 August 2022 General Election.
Earlier in the week, the ODM leader promised to attend the event, citing his long history with the Mau Mau fighters’ family.
“I cannot miss Shujaa Mama Mukami wa Kimathi’s funeral. We were very close, and I will attend Njabini’s final ceremony on earth.
“I would like the state funeral for the late Maitu Mukami Kimathi to be held at Uhuru Gardens, where Mau Mau freedom fighters were tortured,” he said at the time.
On May 5, Mukami passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital.
The deceased was Dedan Kimathi’s wife, a renowned Mau Mau fighter.
Ruto and Gachagua Extend Warm Welcome to Raila at Mukami Funeral
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.