Uhuru, Raila in rare show of comradeship at Mwiraria funeral
President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga on Saturday took time off from what is turning out into chaotic nomination exercises within their respective parties to attend the burial of former Finance Minister David Mwiraria in Meru.
On this occasion though, the two leaders, who have lately taken a dig at each other in the build up to the August general election, set aside their political differences and paid glowing tribute to the late Mwiraria.
In his speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta asked for speedy investigations into the Anglo- Leasing scam with a view to clearing former Finance Minister Daudi Mwiraria from culpability, while Mr Odinga called for peaceful elections, saying the deceased was a peace-loving man.
At one point in his speech, Mr Kenyatta turned to the Nasa principal and said: “I ask Mr Odinga to join me out there in saying that the late Mwiraria was innocent.”
The President eulogised Mr Mwiraria as a great son of the nation who served Kenya from a young age.
PEACEFUL ELECTION
Mr Odinga eulogised Mr Mwiraria as a man of few words who contributed to Kenya’s economic transformation. He called for a probe to clear his name.
“I am requesting my brother Uhuru Kenyatta that we keep our commitment for peaceful elections. We don’t want to fight; we want this election to be a friendly match,” he said.
Mr Odinga was accompanied by his co-principal in Nasa, Moses Wetangula with other leaders in attendance including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Also present was the government spokesman Eric Kiraithe, Lands CS Jacob Kaimenyi, Sports PS Kirimi Kaberia, Fisheries PS Micheni Ntiba, former head of public service Francis Muthaura, former minister Chris Murungaru and Central Bank Deputy governor Sheila Mbijiwe.
Other were former President Mwai Kibaki’s daughter, Judy Kibaki, former Chief Justice Aaron Ringera and former diplomat Karimi Mworia.
The Meru politicians present included Governor Peter Munya, Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Dr Kilemi Mwiria, Meru Woman Represenataive Florence Kajuju, Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi and North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood.
