Ruto, Raila meet at Obwocha’s funeral service

What you need to know:

  • Henry Obwocha died after collapsing at his Nairobi home on August 4.

Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga are currently attending the funeral service of former minister Henry Obwocha at Sironga-Ekerubo grounds in West Mugirango, Nyamira County.

Other prominent leaders who are the funeral service are governors John Nyangarama, James Ongwae and Wycliffe Oparanya of Nyamira, Kisii and Kakamega counties as well as Chief Justice David Maraga.

The last time Mr Ruto and Mr Odinga shared a podium was during the national prayer breakfast.

The two leaders are meeting at a time when their lieutenants are engaged in fierce political battles over 2022 succession politics.

Whereas Mr Odinga asked his allies to keep off the succession debate and focus on peace initiatives, Mr Ruto's lieutenants have relentlessly criss-crossed the country to rally leader support for him.

In Nyamira, Mr Ruto was the first to arrive at the funeral ceremony before Mr Odinga joined him with mourners giving both leaders a warm welcome.

Mr Wetang'ula, who has fallen out with Mr Odinga after he was dethroned from the Senate minority leader's position, is also in attendance.

Obwocha died after collapsing at his Nairobi home on August 4.