KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday shared a rare public moment during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba in Kirinyaga County.
The two leaders, who have remained politically distant since the 2022 General Election, were seen exchanging a warm greeting upon Uhuru’s arrival at the ceremony. Gachagua, alongside a section of opposition leaders, received the former Head of State, with the pair sharing a brief hug before taking their seats.
Mourners momentarily paused the proceedings to welcome Uhuru, reflecting his enduring public stature.
Throughout the funeral service, the two leaders were observed engaging in light exchanges, a notable development given the political divisions that emerged following the election that ushered in the administration of President William Ruto.
The interaction marks the first visible cordial public engagement between Uhuru and Gachagua since they found themselves on opposing sides of Kenya’s political divide in 2022.
While no political statements were made during the event, the optics of their interaction have drawn attention, particularly amid ongoing realignments within the country’s political landscape.
Also present at the burial was Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, alongside several other political figures.
Karaba’s death was announced by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who described him as a distinguished leader with a lasting impact on both education and governance.
The former senator passed away on March 23 at his home in Kirinyaga County at the age of 77, according to family members.
Born in 1948 in Kiamaina village, Karaba began his career as a teacher, rising through the ranks to become principal at several secondary schools, including Kagumo and Njegas Secondary schools.
He later served as chair of the Secondary Schools Heads Association for more than a decade, where he played a significant role in shaping education leadership and policy in Kenya.
Karaba transitioned into politics in 2002, winning the Kirinyaga Central parliamentary seat on a Narc ticket. He later served as Senator for Kirinyaga County after securing victory in the 2013 elections under the TNA party.
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During his tenure in Parliament, he chaired the Education Committee and served on several other key committees, earning recognition as a thoughtful legislator focused on development and governance.
He is survived by his wife Charity Karaba, their children, and grandchildren, as well as an extended family.
“May his legacy continue to inspire generations. Rest Well, Mwalimu!” the family said in the announcement.
Political analysts note that while the funeral was primarily a moment of mourning, the interaction between Uhuru and Gachagua underscores the role of national events as rare platforms for political figures across divides to engage publicly.
Such encounters, though symbolic, often attract public and political interest in Kenya’s evolving political dynamics.
