- "Yet they said she will accord her a state funeral, that was quite unfortunate indeed," he said.
- Mukami was the widow of freedom fighter, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi.
Image: Screengrab
Opposition chief Raila Odinga has said Mama Mukami Kimathi's send-off was not a state funeral as announced by the government.
On Tuesday, Raila said he made the decision to attend the funeral following news that it was going to be accorded stately status.
"There was no flag raised at half-mast, no 21 guns salute as required, yet they said she was accorded a state funeral, that was quite unfortunate indeed," he said.
In Kenya, people of national significance have in the past been accorded a state funeral.
Historically, Kenya honours heads of state with state funerals.
For civilians who have not been presidents, the decision is made by the sitting president in consultation with the Defence Council.
Also, the Defence Council authorises military funerals for commissioned officers and service members.
Former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki were accorded state funerals, with fully packaged military functions.
Former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa, Nobel Peace winner Wangari Maathai, former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru and former First Lady Lucy Kibaki were accorded state funerals.
This excluded Military functions.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had revealed that Mukami will be accorded a befitting send-off at her Njabini home in Nyandarua county.
"President William Ruto will attend the funeral. I met the family to check on the burial preparations; the government will meet the burial expenses," he said.
“We want to accord our mother a respectful final send-off, which will be carefully planned by the government."
Mukami was the widow of freedom fighter, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi.
The 96-year-old died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi after developing breathing difficulties.