President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga will today share the podium for the first time since last year’s election at freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi’s funeral.
Also in the mix in the function where bare knuckle political jabs are expected to be thrown will be deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Mukami died last Saturday, May 5, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi Hospital. She was age 96. She will be accorded a state funeral at her rural home in Njambini, Nyandarua county.
“Thereafter, the cortege will leave for the burial a ceremony which will be held on the same day at her rural home in Njabini, Nyandarua County as per the family wishes,” Omollo said in a statement
Raila confirmed his attendance last Sunday at the Lee Funeral Home.
“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,” he said.
DP Gachagua also this week confirmed the President’s attendance. This will be the first time Ruto, Gachagua and Raila will come face to face.
The leaders have been throwing jabs at each other over the cost of living, taxes, Shakahola Massacre, state appointments and lately the housing levy.
Yesterday, Raila terme Ruto’s proposed tax plan as a futile exercise citing unspecified loopholes leading to wastage.
“We agree that the government can move forward once they increase taxes but Kenyans currently are overtaxed. If you can seal all the loopholes of wastage then there is no need to increase taxes,” he said.
“If you increase taxes tenfold if you don’t seal the loopholes of wastage. It’s a futile job because Kenyans will be taxed and the money will go to the pockets of the corrupt,” Odinga argued.
He accused the government of moving to collapse the cosmetic industry by proposing new tax measures.
“You see the our women who have plaited their hair and manicured their nails, the government has moved to increase taxes on that. Where will women go?” Odinga posed.
