Saturday, May 13, 2023 –President William Ruto and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga warmly embraced each other at the burial of Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua County.
This is their first public appearance at the same function since the August 9, 2022 election that saw Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati declare and announce William Ruto the winner.
Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi arrived earlier before Mr. Odinga.
And when he arrived, Raila who seemingly saw poor body language of Musalia, walked away from him, almost went passed DP Rigathi Gachagua before warmly shaking President William Ruto’s hand while Ruto was upstanding; as a sign of respect for each other.
Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga would also arrive at Mukami Kimathi’s home in Njabini, Nyandarua County for her final sendoff.
“Ruto is one of the most respectful leaders in Kenya He values time and will always be on time He is the president and you can see the opposition leader walking in after him, he stands to greet him. Why didn’t baba say hi to mudavadi? Ama nguvu ya macho imeenda?” Nyambura Ndungu commented.
On his part, Nato Nasongo observed that the Raila-Ruto greeting was a courteous handshake that is needed as a country to have peace.
Mama Mukami Kimathi is Dedan Kimathi’s widow.
President Ruto and Raila Odinga shake hands during the burial of the late Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi pic.twitter.com/ZGuCM4J8Lx
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 13, 2023
