The government will offset funeral expenses of former Cabinet minister and veteran politician William ole Ntimama, President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged yesterday. He made the announcement when he condoled with Ntimama’s family at his Lavington home in Nairobi.
Uhuru said he was saddened by the sudden death of the Narok politician and promised that the State will accord him a dignified send-off. “We have told the family that my government will help in the funeral arrangements. Mzee Ntimama was a national leader and he deserves a befitting send-off,” he said.
He added that he will ensure projects Ntimama had initiated are completed in his honour. The President was accompanied by National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and other leaders from Narok and Kajiado counties.
His visit to Ntimama’s home coincided with retired President Daniel Moi’s. Condoling with the bereaved family, Moi remembered the deceased as a good leader who served his people passionately. Moi was accompanied by his son Gideon Moi, who is also Senator for Baringo County, Kanu Secretary general Nick Salat and other leaders for the Rift Valley region.
He had earlier described Ntimama as a “towering figure of national and international repute”. He added that he vigorously articulated the problems of the minorities in both local and international platforms. The retired President said he had known Ntimama since 1955 and grew fond of him.
“By then, Ntimama was a young and energetic professional working as District Officer in Baringo,” Moi said. Ntimama will be laid to rest on September 14 in Narok after the government requested his family to move the ceremony from this Saturday to allow the Head of State to attend.
Ntimama died in his sleep on Thursday last week. Powerful Kanu-era minister Nicholas Biwott also visited and condoled with the family yesterday. Leaders from all quarters have sent messages of condolence to the bereaved family.
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