Raila Trolls Rigathi Gachagua, Senator Methu at Mukami Kimathi Funeral

President William Ruto (right) welcomes Azimio La Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, at Mukami Kimathi funeral in Nyandarua on Saturday, May 13, 2023
President William Ruto (right) welcomes Azimio La Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, at Mukami Kimathi's funeral in Nyandarua on Saturday, May 13, 2023
PCS

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, on Saturday, May 13, trolled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over a government directive issued over Mukami Kimathi's state funeral.

While addressing the mourners in Nyandarua County, Raila argued that Gachagua did not order the flags in the county to be flown half-mast as is the norm during state funerals.

On the other hand, he called on the government to ensure that Mukami's last wishes - of being reunited with her husband are met.

"Gachagua stated that we would have a state funeral, and I want to remind the government that we do not have flags at half-mast

A photo of President William Ruto conversing with Rigathi Gachagua at the funeral of Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua County on May 13, 2023.
A photo of President William Ruto conversing with Rigathi Gachagua at the funeral of Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua County on May 13, 2023.
PCS

"She had wished that on the day of her funeral, the remains of her husband be removed from Kamiti Maximum Prison and brought to her. I hope that the government will look at that," Raila added.

He also delivered the condolences of Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya's former President, and party leaders, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua.

"With me here also are Jubilee secretary general, Jeremiah Kioni and your (Mt Kenya) son, Maina Njega," he stated, steering clear from addressing Njenga as former Mungiki leader. 

He further defended the protests led by Azimio, likening them to the fight for independence by Mau Mau.

"There are two types of violence, oppressive violence, which the system uses against the people, and aggressive violence, which people use to defend themselves against oppression.

"When police chase away innocent people protesting it is called oppressive violence. When people defend back with stones, it is aggressive violence. It is not equal," Raila asserted.

In his speech, the ODM boss identified Ruto as his friend rather than brother and classified Gachagua, Mudavadi and all other leaders as mourners. 

He further hit out at Nyandarua Senator John Methu for ridiculing him over his demands to open the election servers. He expressed that he would find a solution to his stalemate with Ruto - who he described as his friend.

"I hear the senator saying that he opened the server. Who told him to do that? I have worked with William Ruto and he knows me very well.  We shall talk with him (Ruto)," he stated.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga greeting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Mukami Kimathi's funeral on May 13, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga greeting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Mukami Kimathi's funeral on May 13, 2023.
PCS

Earlier, Methu had urged Raila to accept election defeat, having been defeated by Ruto. 

"I heard you are looking for the server and I have it. I want to tell Raila that these people defeated you. Even in the neighbouring school, Ruto got 585 votes while Raila got 10. I want to ask you to give them space to work," the senator commented.

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