Raila Odinga Visits Family of Kenneth Matiba

Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday met with NASA leader Raila Odinga at the home of the late Kenneth Matiba.

Sources indicate that Raila arrived at Matiba's Limuru home with DP Ruto joining the family shortly after to condole with them.

The two leaders who have been considered to be arch-rivals politically were united as they mourned the fallen multi-party democracy hero.

[caption caption="Raila meets Ruto"][/caption]

Photos seen by Kenyans.co.ke show Raila in the company of his wife Mama Ida Odinga amongst other mourners.

Also present in the event is Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mwangi Kiunjuri (Devolution and Planning), CS Margaret Kobia (Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs), and CS Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution).

On receiving the news of Matiba's death, Ruto had eulogized: "The country grieves a great man. As the cloud of sadness envelopes us, we pay respect and undying tribute to Kenneth Matiba, an indefatigable proponent of democracy, human rights; a champion of the less privileged and a people's person."

On his part, Raila had stated: "Mama Ida Odinga and I have learnt with deep shock of the passing of second liberation hero Hon. Kenneth Matiba.

"Our country has lost one of the last living symbols of the pains our people have had to bear in order to get where we are," his tribute to a friend and fellow liberation colleague read.

Raila and Matiba share a common past having faced the blunt atrocities of the Nyayo regime in their fight for multi-partyism and the second liberation.

[caption caption="Ruto condoles with the Matiba family"][/caption]

Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe on Tuesday communicated that there will be two public funeral services for the second liberation hero with details set to be communicated as preparations progress. 

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