President William Ruto and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga are set to meet publicly for the first time after the August 2022 elections.
The two will on Saturday attend the burial of Dedan Kimathi’s wife, Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua.
The burial has set in motion events that will see the two politicians share the same platform for the first time at Njabini, Kinangop Constituency.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua among other top government officials will also be in attendance.
It is not known whether retired President Uhuru Kenyatta will also attend the burial.
Raila confirmed his attendance last Sunday at the Lee Funeral Home.
“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.
DP Gachagua this week confirmed the President's attendance.
This will be the first time Ruto, Gachagua and Raila will come face to face.
The leaders have been throwing jabs at each other publicly over cost of living, Finance Bill, 2023, protests, Shakahola saga, state appointments among others issues.
Mukami Kimathi died aged 96 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi after developing breathing difficulties.
She passed away on Thursday night, May 4, 2023.
Mukami was mourned by leaders across the country led by President William Ruto, his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, and ODM party leader Raila Odinga among others.
The government announced that she will be accorded a state funeral.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said giving a befitting and decent burial to the Field Marshal will be one of the ways of recognising and appreciating her role and contribution to the liberation of the country from colonialism.
On Saturday morning, there was a public viewing of Mukami's body before the burial.
As announced by Interior PS Raymond Omollo, the viewing was at Lee Funeral Home, Nairobi from 6 am to 7 am.
