The government has announced the burial date for Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi, the late widow of freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi.
In a statement, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that Mukami will be buried on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home in Njabini, Nyandarua County.
The ceremony will be presided over by President William Ruto.
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"In consultation with the family, we have agreed that the funeral service will be held on Saturday, 13th May, 2023, at her home in Njabini, Nyandarua County, and will be presided over by H.E President Ruto," Gachagua said.
The government has also set up a national funeral committee to plan Mukami's burial, which will be chaired by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo.
Other committee members will be selected at the county level to be chaired by the Governor of Nyandarua County Moses Ndirangu Badilisha.
"The Government has agreed to the request by the family of the late hero that all surviving and other freedom fighters will be accorded special recognition during the service. I urge all Kenyans at this difficult moment to pray for the family of Dedan Kimathi and Mukami Kimathi at this difficult moment," Gachagua said.
Mukami's death
Mukami passed on Thursday, May 4 after a long illness.
She was 96 years old.
In his condolence message, President Ruto said she was a legendary fighter in her own right who courageously withstood the brutality of colonial oppression.
"We have received the saddening news of the death of Mukami Kimathi, a celebrated heroine of our nation's struggle for independence. Mama Mukami Kimathi courageously withstood the brutality of colonial oppression, proudly wore the scars of the battle, and bore the terrible losses of war with admirable fortitude," Ruto said.
"She was a legendary fighter in her own right and the wife of the legend, Dedan Waciuri Kimathi, who was captured, tried, and executed by the colonial state."
She was among Mau Mau freedom fighters detained at Kimathi Maximum Prison during Kenya's struggle for independence.
