DP William Ruto when he visited the family of the late Matiba inLimuru Kiambu County

Two public funeral services to be held for Matiba

The funeral arrangements for the late former politician Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba are at an advanced stage even as the joint planning committee intends to hold two public funeral services before his final send-off.

The government Spokesperson Erick Kiraithe said the deceased family led by son Raymond Matiba had met the Joint Organizing Committee Chaired by  Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho on behalf of the Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua.

Kiraithe said the committee has agreed to hold the first public funeral service for the distinguished businessman at All Saints Cathedral Church on Wednesday, 25th while the second one will be held at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a Town on Thursday, 26th this month.

In a statement to newsrooms, Kiraithe said that there will be a church service for family and friends on Sunday. Kiraithe further stated that Friends and family will congregate today (Wedenesday), Thursday and Friday at the family home in Limuru.

He, however, stated that the burial date will be communicated later as the arrangement progresses.

Matiba, who died on Saturday aged 85, was a great crusader for Kenya’s multi-party democracy. He died at Karen Hospital, Nairobi.

Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly led by speaker Justin Muturi Tuesday observed a moment of silence in honor of the late veteran politician Kenneth Matiba.

Majority leader Aden Duale called for a decent state burial because of the contributions the fallen hero made to the country.

He said that it is unfortunate his death was occasioned by a stroke he suffered while at Kamiti Maximum security prison. Duale noted that following a court order that Matiba receives compensation worth Ksh. 1.5 billion, the money should be considered in the second supplementary estimates.

The Majority leader further called on political leaders to avoid making political statements during the burial ceremony of Matiba who served as Member of Parliament for Kiharu in Murang’a County.

Minority Leader John Mbadi said Matiba has died a disappointed man because democracy is yet to be entrenched fully in the country.

He cited the shutdown of local television stations, harassment of journalist and failure to respect court orders. Kandara MP Alice Wahome while eulogizing the veteran politician said he was detained without trial and that the same should not happen to any other Kenyan.

She called on the Government to make an official apology to his family pending his monetary compensation.

Source:http://www.kbc.co.ke/