President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, welcomed Azimio La Umoja's party leader, Raila Odinga, at the funeral service of Mau Mau veteran, Mukami Kimathi.
Raila, accompanied by Jubilee secretary general, Jeremiah Kioni, arrived at Mukami's home in Nyandarua, on Saturday, May 13, nearly an hour after Ruto's arrival.
He then paid his last respects by viewing the deceased's body.
Ruto and Gachagua stood and shook Raila's hand before the President parted him on the shoulder, to the delight of the attendees.
As he proceed to take his seat, the crowd erupted into cheers, temporarily halting the funeral.
Former Mungiki leader, Maina Njenga, also arrived at the event, minutes after Raila. Former Muranga governor Mwangi wa Iria was also part of Raila's entourage.
This was the first time, Ruto and Raila publicly met since the August 9, 2022, General Election.
Earlier in the week the ODM boss had promised to grace the event noting his long history with the family of the Mau Mau fighters.
“I cannot miss the funeral of Shujaa Mama Mukami wa Kimathi. We have been very close and I will be in Njabini for her final ceremony on earth.
“I would wish the final state funeral service in honour of the late Maitu Mukami Kimathi be held at Uhuru Gardens where Mau Mau freedom fighters were being tortured,” he stated then.
Mukami passed on while receiving treatment at a hospital on May 5.
The deceased was the wife of renowned Mau Mau fighter Dedan Kimathi.
