The casket carrying remains of Nicholas Biwott, July 19, 2017. [Photo: Twitter]
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader, Raila Odinga, are today expected to share a podium, despite their political rivalry.
The two leadera are among hundreds of mourners who are scheduled to attend the funeral service of the late Powerful Minister.
Born 1940, Nicholas Kipyator Kiprono arap Biwott died July 11, after long illness.
He was a power broker 'feared' across Kenya for his alleged role in the murder of Robert Ouko, a highly regarded and respected politician, during the rtired president Daniel arap Moi, era. Biwott served as a civil servant, Member of Parliament and government minister, during which time he amassed immense wealth as a result of his proximity and influence in the repressive government of Daniel Moi.He was born in Chebior village, Keiyo District, Rift Valley Province, to Cheserem Soti, a market trader and cattle herder in Eldoret, and Maria Soti. He attended Tambach Intermediate School from 1951 to 1954, after which he joined Kapsabet High School.Biwott was a member of parliament for 28 years. In 1974 he ran unsuccessfully as a prospective MP for the Keiyo South Constituency. At the next election in 1979 he was successful, standing on KANU ticket in Keiyo-Marakwet, retaining the seat in 1983 and 1988. In 1992, 1997, and 2002 he was elected the MP for Keiyo South Constituency. In the Parliamentary elections held on 27 December 2007, running on a KANU ticket, he lost his seat to Jackson Kiptanui arap Kamai of the Orange Democratic Party (ODM). The ODM swept to victory in all but one of KANU's seats on the Rift Valley.
Deputy President William Ruto, is also expected at the funeral service.
Politics is expected to take centre stage at the event, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Biwott is survived by children and three wives, Prof Margaret Kamar (Uasin Gishu Jubilee senate candidate), Hannie and Kavista Lessie.