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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met at the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba. Their public interaction, marked by warmth and light moments, is significant given the political divisions since the 2022 elections. Karaba, a respected educator and politician, passed away at 77, leaving a legacy in Kenya’s education and legislative sectors.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday met publicly during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba in Kirinyaga County, marking a rare interaction between the two leaders.
Uhuru arrived at the funeral after other leaders had already gathered and was warmly received by Gachagua and a section of opposition leaders present. The two shared a hug as they greeted each other before proceeding to their seats.
Mourners briefly interrupted the proceedings to welcome the former Head of State.
Throughout the service, Uhuru and Gachagua were seen engaging in light moments, a notable development given the political divisions that followed the 2022 General Election, which ushered in President William Ruto’s administration.
The encounter is the first visible sign of the two leaders sharing a cordial public moment since the elections, where they found themselves on opposing political sides.
Also present at the burial was People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua alongside other political figures.
Karaba’s death was announced by Governor Anne Waiguru, who described him as a distinguished leader.
Karaba, who was an educator and politician whose legacy stretched across Kenya’s education and legislative landscape, passed away on March 23 at his home in Kirinyaga County, aged 77, the family said.
Born in 1948 in Kiamaina village, Karaba was a professional teacher who rose through the ranks to become a principal of several secondary schools, including Kagumo and Njegas Secondary schools.
He later chaired the Secondary Schools Heads Association for more than a decade, shaping education policy and leadership across the country.
Karaba entered elective politics in 2002 when he won the Kirinyaga Central parliamentary seat on a Narc ticket.
He later served as Senator for Kirinyaga County after winning the seat in the 2013 elections on a TNA ticket, garnering widespread support.
During his time in Parliament, Karaba chaired the Education Committee and served on several other key committees, earning a reputation as a thoughtful legislator committed to development and governance.
Karaba is survived by his wife Charity Karaba, their children and a large extended family that includes grandchildren Ethan, Neema, Benjie, Leah, Hailey, Grace, Huru and Shantie.
He was also the son of the late Dickson and Josephine Kimaru, and a brother to siblings, many of whom predeceased him.
“May his legacy continue to inspire generations. Rest Well, Mwalimu!” the family said in the announcement.
Daniel Karaba was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and education, serving as a senator and educator. His career began as a teacher, eventually leading him to become a principal and later chair the Secondary Schools Heads Association. He entered politics in 2002, winning the Kirinyaga Central parliamentary seat and later serving as senator, where he was known for his commitment to education and governance. His passing marks the loss of a significant contributor to Kenya’s educational policies and community development.
