APA-Nairobi (Kenya) Presdent William Ruto on Friday in Nairobi has been leading tributes for the widow of the Mau Mau anti-colonial rebel leader Dedan Kimathi.
Mukami Kimathi who has been ill for sometime was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after being admitted there with breathing diffculties on Thursday.
She was 96.
President Ruto described Mrs Kimathi’s contribution to the liberation struggle in the 1950s as a courageous stand against the brutal oppression of British colonial rule, which paved the way for Kenyan independence.
”She was a legendary fighter in her own right and the wife of the legend, Dedan Waciuri Kimathi, who was captured, tried, and executed by the colonial state” President Ruto wrote on his Facebook page.
He said Mrs. Kimathi was also a steadfast patriot and well-known champion for national unity and inspired many Kenyans of all ages to stand ready to defend the country’s values.
”On behalf of my family and the people of Kenya, I convey my condolences to the family of our departed heroine, Mukami Kimathi. I pray that the Almighty God grants you his divine solace at this time of sorrow” he concluded.
President Ruto earlier this year paid her hospital bills after she was detained at a Kenyan hospital until the money was paid.
Dropping a tribute to Mrs. Kimathi, Beth Njau wrote: ”She has fought a good fight…she has won the race.
May our Heroin rest in eternal peace.”
Kairii Kariuki Wanjiru said ”We shall always remember you for your boldness”.
Mukami’s husband Dedan who led the Mau Mau struggle was eventually captured by the British and executed in 1957, leaving her to single-handedly fend for their children.
One of her wishes was for her late husband’s remains to be exhumed from the prison yard he was buried for proper burial in his home village.
This wish was never fulfilled until she died.
WN/as/APA