President William Ruto has explained why he chose to skip a church service he was scheduled to attend in Embu on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Ruto was scheduled to grace the 34th diocesan anniversary celebrations of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Embu at St Mark’s Teachers’ Training College grounds, Kigari, but cancelled his attendance at the last minute.
Speaking on Sunday, October 13, 2024, during a church service at AIC Milimani Church, Nairobi, for the 30th anniversary celebration, Ruto said he had the invitation but chose an invitation that popped up later.
“When the senior pastor told me that they had been sent an invitation for this celebration, I told him I was going to struggle because it was not in my diary. My diary was committed somewhere else,” Ruto stated.
“I’ve had to negotiate with people in other places because there is truly something to celebrate about Milimani, and I have personal experience with the humble beginnings of this church. I wanted to be part of this great moment celebrating 30 years of God’s faithfulness in Milimani church.”
On Sunday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the church service at ACK Embu Diocese at Kigari TTC, which Ruto was scheduled to attend.
Ruto’s rift with Gachagua
Ruto and his deputy have not been seen in public together since a motion was lodged in parliament seeking to impeach Gachagua.
Since the motion was floated, which has already been passed in parliament, Ruto has shied away from addressing the issue, pointing to a widening rift between the two.
In a statement after attending the church service in Embu, Gachagua also shied away from addressing the issue.
“The Church remains crucial in spiritual nourishment of the people, besides complementing government’s socioeconomic development. Congratulations to the entire church, the ACK Diocese of Embu and the faithful for the momentous impact on the society for the last 34 years. With my Spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, it was a moment of reflection as we joined the faithful for the 34th Anniversary of the ACK Embu Diocese at Kigari TTC, Embu County,” Gachagua stated.