Mukami Kimathi, the wife of Kenya’s freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, according to family members, died on Thursday night May 4th, 2023-aged 101 years.
Her daughter Nyawira Kimathi said the mother developed breathing problems and was rushed to the hospital where she passed on shortly after.
“On arrival at the hospital, she was received by the doctors but after several tests, they informed us that she wouldn’t make it, she died a few minutes later and we took her body to Lee Funeral Home, we left the mortuary at 4am when she was registered. Nyawira said and further commented that while living-she had made a wish not to be buried before her husband is exhumed and given a decent burial. It is believed that Kimathi remains are still at Kamiti maximum Prison in an unmarked grave.
President Kibaki’s efforts to locate and exhume Kimathi’s remains a few years ago, were unsuccessful, and the exercise was discontinued.
President William Ruto sent his message of condolence and tweeted the following.
“We have received the saddening news of the death of Mukami Kimathi, a celebrated heroine of our nation’s struggle for independence. Mama Mukami Kimathi courageously withstood the brutality of colonial oppression, proudly wore the scars of the battle and bore the terrible losses of war with admirable fortitude. 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. After winning the war for independence, Mama Mukami was left behind to fend for her children in the absence of Field Marshall Kimathi. In her characteristic way, she also won this battle. Mukami Kimathi was also a steadfast patriot and well-known champion for national unity who inspired many Kenyans of all ages to cherish our country and stand ready to defend our 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. We shall honour her memory and treasure her legacy.
May God rest her soul in everlasting peace.”
