Several leaders from both the government and the opposition on Friday, September 22, 2023, flocked Kinunga Stadium in Tetu to attend the final send-off of Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima.
Muthoni served as the late freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi’s personal assistant during the fight for independence. She passed on September 5 aged 92.
Among those attending the funeral include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is leading the government delegation and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who is leading the opposition.
“We join the family, friends and relatives in laying to rest a towering Woman, a heroine, Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima in Nyeri County. Field Marshal Muthoni joined other heroes and wrestled the freedom we enjoy today from white colonialists,” stated Gachagua.
Other leaders attending the funeral include former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria and current Trade CS Moses Kuria.
“Today I joined family, friends and leaders in laying to rest a heroine, Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima in Kinunga Stadium, Nyeri County. Muthoni wa Kirima will be remembered as among the fearless top-ranking female fighter in Mau Mau’s 1950s rebellion against British colonialism,” Kuria said.
Uhuru, Ngina mourn Field Marshal Muthoni
In a statement, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta termed her as a patriot who has left a huge vacuum that will be hard to fill
Uhuru Kenyatta described her as a patriot, a great warrior, and one of the most revered Mau Mau shujaa freedom fighters.
“Her footprints, especially in the forest, moulded and played a crucial role in supporting like-minded leaders, in the fight of freeing our country from the colonialists and for Kenyans’ rights of political, social and economic growth towards our country’s freedom, independence, and development. She is, and remains, in our rich historical liberation struggle and success. She will not only be remembered for her bravery and courage but also for her diligence and delivery to Kenya,” Uhuru stated.
In her eulogy, Mama Ngina Kenyatta said “I cherish the memory and joy that we, Field Marshall Muthoni wa Kirima and myself and others, met in the recent past and shared many stories together. I thank God for the privilege and honour to have known and shared the very challenging difficult period in our country during the colonial government, together with many others, including Field Marshall Muthoni wa Kirima, nyina wa thonjo.”
