FULL LIST: Mukami Kimathi Joins Only 7 Kenyans Accorded State Funeral

President Uhuru Kenyatta pays his last respects to his predecessor, the late Mwai Kibaki at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, April 29, 2022
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta pays his last respects to his predecessor, the late Mwai Kibaki, at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, April 29, 2022
PSCU

Prominent people occupy a special place in any country’s history. Kenya is no exception.

According to the Collins dictionary, a state funeral is a ceremonial funeral for a head of state, or other very important person.

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that the late Dedan Kimathi Waciuri’s wife, Field Marshal Mukami Kimathi would be accorded a state funeral on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The late Mukami is among a handful of Kenyans to have ever been accorded a state sendoff. Here is the list, and why it is a rare opportunity. 

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023. (1).jpg
DP Rigathi Gachagua interacts with Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023.
DPPS

Mukami Kimathi 

She will join the list of eight Kenyans who have received such an honour. She passed away on May 4, 2023,

Her husband, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi led Kenyans in the fight against colonialism and was a member of the Mau Mau.

Kimathi was captured and imprisoned at Kamiti Prison by the British and was executed in February 1957. He was buried in an unmarked grave.

On the other hand, Mukami also participated in Mau Mau activities and was also imprisoned at Kamiti Prison.

Her dying wish was to have her husband's remains exhumed so that she can rebury them. 

Jomo Kenyatta

He was the first president of Kenya from December 12, 1964, to his death on August 22, 1978. Previously, he had been Kenya's first prime minister from June 1, 1963 to December 12, 1964.

Mzee has he was commonly known was imprisoned from 1952 to 1959 in Lokitaung for his agitation for independence,. He was later exiled to Lodwar until 1961.

His impact in Kenya includes shaping Kenya’s politics and foreign policy.

He was accorded a state funeral on Thursday, August 31, 1978, and his body was interred at Parliament Grounds in Nairobi.

Michael Kijana Wamalwa

He was Kenya’s eighth Vice President after December 27, 2002, which saw Mwai Kibaki elected president.

He died in Royal Free Hospital in London on August 23, 2003, barely a year after becoming vice president. 

Although the government of Mwai Kibaki had offered to bury him at Heroes Corner at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, he was accorded a state funeral in his Kitale farm on Saturday, September 6, 2003.

Wangari Maathai

A photo of Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.
A photo of Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.
Photo
Green Belt Movement

President Mwai Kibaki led the nation in mourning the Green Belt Movement founder and Nobel laureate, Prof Wangari Maathai. She was credited for planting over 30 million trees in Kenya.

“Certainly, she has stood out as Kenya's most outstanding champion of environmental sustainability, and through her relentless efforts, present and future generations in our country and the region will enjoy a much cleaner and safer environment,” eulogized former President Mwai Kibaki.

 Her final wish was that no tree be felled to make a wooden coffin.

She passed away on September 25, 2011.

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, her funeral was conducted at Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park before her body was cremated at the Kariokor Crematorium.

Lucy Kibaki

She was Kenya's First Lady during President Kibaki's reign. Her character as an outspoken leader set the standards for future first ladies.

In July 2011, the Embakasi District Hospital was renamed Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in her honour.

She died on April 26, 2016, at the Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London and was laid to rest in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Wahome Gakuru

Gakuru was the second governor of Nyeri. Previously, he was the director of the Vision 2030 agenda and was instrumental in its implementation which was inaugurated by former President Mwai Kibaki.

He died in a grisly road accident in Kabati town on his way from Nyeri to Nairobi.

He was accorded a state funeral in Nyeri County on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Daniel Arap Moi

General Jackson Kimeu Mulinge salutes behind former President Daniel Moi.
General Jackson Kimeu Mulinge salutes behind former President Daniel Moi.
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KDF

He was the second and longest-serving president of Kenya, from 1978 to 2002. 

He died in Nairobi on February 4, 2020. 

His state funeral complete with military honours was conducted at the Nyayo National Stadium on February 11, 2020. He was then buried the next day on February 12, 2020.

His body lay in state for three days inside Parliament for the public to pay their last respects.

The state funeral included a 19-gun salute by the military.

Mwai Kibaki

He was Kenya’s third president. Previously, he had been a minister of finance under President Jomo Kenyatta and Vice President under President Daniel Moi.

He died in Nairobi on the night of April 21, 2022.

His body lay in state inside Parliament guarded by Kenya Defence Forces colonels changing in shifts.

The state funeral was conducted at Nyayo National Stadium on April 29, 2022.

On April 30, 2022, he was interred at his Othaya home full of military honours including a 19-gun salute.

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.

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