Ruto, Raila to meet during Mukami's burial

By Peter Ochieng 

The stage has been set for President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to meet.

The two are set to meet for the first time since the August 2022 polls, at least publicly, during the burial of freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi.

Mukami died on Thursday, last week.

She will be buried in Njabini, in Nyandarua County on 13th May, 2023.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday confirmed that Mukami, widow of freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi said President William Ruto will be in Nyandarua for the burial.

“Ruto himself has promised he will lead the nation on that day as we bury our freedom fighter,” said the Deputy President.

His confirmation came shortly after Azimio leader Raila Odinga, indicated that he will attend the 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," he said.

Gachagua said anyone willing to attend the burial is welcome.

Mukami's burial will provide an opportunity for Odinga and Ruto to share a podium for the first time after the 2022 polls.

Ex Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Ruto winner of the presidential contest, with 7.1 million votes against Odinga's 6.9.

The ODM party boss however insists he won the contest with over 8 million votes, courtesy of data provided by 'IEBC whistle-blower.'

The contention has seen Odinga and his Azimio brigade call for street demos, before President Ruto agreed to the formation of a bipartisan Parliamantary committee.