Deputy President William Ruto met former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as they joined other mourners in sending condolence messages to former presidential candidate Kenneth Matiba.

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Aged 85, the former Kiharu MP and veteran father of multiparty democracy died on Sunday evening at the Karen Hospital following a long illness.

Ruto and Odinga met at Matiba's Riara Ridge home in Limuru, Kiambu County on Tuesday where they were received by several other mourners, friends and relatives.

"We celebrate Kenneth Matiba, a patriot, nationalist and statesman," said Ruto.

The DP noted that Matiba's tenacity and persistent struggle for democracy and good governance elevated his status and secured his illustrious place in Kenya's history. 

"We will not allow what you fought for to be eroded," he said, citing the fallen multiparty democracy leader.

Ruto indicated that there was need for Kenya to consolidate its politics, bring communities together and forge unity of purpose. 

"Our focus on education and healthcare for all manifest in free learning and expanding medical insurance is key to a healthy, productive nation," he noted.