Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has described the widow of freedom fighter, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, the late Mukami Kimathi as a symbol of resilience.
Speaking at Lee Funeral Home, where he had gone to condole with the family following her death, Gachagua said Mukami was an inspiration to the leadership of the country.
"As a nation, we are very saddened by her death. She was a beacon of hope not just in Central Kenya but the whole country," he said.
Gachagua said the government will designate a senior official to oversee burial arrangements.
"The senior official will work with the family to give Mukami a befitting send-off," he said.
The DP regretted that freedom fighters have been living in poverty though they made immense contributions to the birth of the country.
"These are questions we will discuss. We need to look at how historical injustices need to be addressed," he said.
Accompanying the DP were Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Naivasha MP Jane Kihara.
Kuria said Kenyans have been enjoying the benefits of what Mukami fought for.
"It is a call for patriotism. We should work for the interest of future generations, not ours," he said.
Kihara echoed the DP's remarks that historical injustices must be addressed.
The 96-year-old died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi after developing breathing difficulties.
She passed away on Thursday night, according to her daughter, Evelyn Kimathi Wangui.
Mukami was among the Mau Mau freedom fighters detained at the Kamiti Maximum Prison during the struggle for independence.
She was instrumental in the push that helped Kenya regain its independence from the colonialists.
Mukami recently received financial aid from President William Ruto's administration, which helped her clear Sh1.3 million hospital bill.
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