Dedan Kimathi's widow Mukami is dead

By Peter Ochieng

Freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi's wife, Mukami Kimathi is dead.

She died on Thursday night in Nairobi, after developing breathing difficulties.

Her daughter, Evelyn Wangui Kimathi confirmed the sad news.

"Yes, she is dead," she said. She added that the official announcement was to come from President William Ruto.

Mukami and her late husband, were instrumental in Kenya's push for independence, under the Mau Mau fighters.

The country gained independence from British colonisers in 1963.

Kenyans have taken to social media to mourn her demise.

"A friend and a sister Madam Evelyn Kimathi is mourning, the Country is mourning following the death of Maitu Mukami Kimathi, the widow of the veteran Mau Mau freedom fighter the late Dedan Kimathi. The Mau Mau Liberation Heroine died at her home in Nairobi at around, 2AM aged 101 years. My heartfelt condolences to her, entire Dedan Kimathi family, relatives and friends. Go well Maitu," wrote Peter Mwangi.

"MAITU MUKAMI KIMATHI, widow of freedom fighter DEDAN KIMATHI has passed away. Mukami passed away in her home in Nairobi, she was taken to Nairobi hospital where the death was confirmed. Go well," said Gashoni Ndegwa.

Her body is lying at Lee Funeral Home.

There are conflicting reports on her age. She was aged between 96 and 101.