State takes over Kenneth Matibas burial plans

The government has constituted a committee to carry out preparations for the burial of veteran politician Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba who died on Sunday, April 15.

In a statement to newsrooms, Government Spokesperson Eric Kiraithe said the committee which will also comprise of Matiba’s family members will be chaired by the Head of Public Service, Dr. Joseph Kinyua.

“The government has since constituted a committee made up of the late Matiba’s family and government officials to assist in preparations for the official funeral,” said Kiraithe.

The government spokesman said the committee will closely liaise with the family of the late Matiba to accord him a befitting send-off.

Matiba, who had been battling a long illness, passed on at the Karen Hospital at around 6.10pm. He died at 85.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is said to have been receiving regular updates on Mzee Matiba’s health condition, was among the first leaders to arrive at the Karen Hospital after the multi-party democracy hero was pronounced dead.

Being a senior political figure in the country, Mzee Matiba’s death was officially announced by the president who also sent a heartfelt condolence message to the family of the deceased.

President Kenyatta eulogised Mzee Matiba as a “true patriot who loved Kenya and a nationalist who believed in hard work and building strong bonds of friendship for the betterment of all.”