Raila Offers Ruto a Handshake at Mukami Kimathi's Burial

Azimio boss Raila Odinga on Friday attended the late Mukami Kimathi's befitting sendoff at Njabini. 

Upon his entry, the opposition head honcho headed to Mukami's casket where he paid his last respect. He then proceeded to greet the leaders present in the congregation. He shook hands with President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

The crowd cheered as Mr Odinga shake hands with the head of state. The burial of the Mau Mau heroine saw President Ruto and Azimio's chief leader meet for the first time after their fiercely vied competition in the concluded 2022 general election. The burial marks the first time Ruto, Raila and Gachagua met face to face amid the ongoing bipartisan talks. 

Both Raila and Ruto's political factions have been disagreeing on elements of cost of living, protests, shakahola cult, state appointments and the recently fronted Finance Bill, 2023. Raila had previously confirmed his attendance when he called on the State to accord Mukami a state burial. 

“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 said. 

Ruto arrived at Field Marshall Mukami Kimathi's home alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other top officials. Ruto celebrated Mukami for enduring the scars of colonial oppression in a bid to win the war for independence. 

 "I pray that the Almighty God grant you his divine solace at this time of sorrow. We shall honour her memory and treasure her legacy. May God rest her soul in everlasting peace." Ruto said. 
 
Mukami died aged 96 while receiving treatment after developing breathing difficulties.