The quartet joined hundreds of guests for the consecration and the installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u in Embu County
It has rarely happened and might not happen again but for the first time, four of the country’s top political leaders are currently sharing one stage. President William Ruto, former Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were seen in one event on Saturday, November 16.
The quartet joined hundreds of guests for the consecration and the installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u in Embu County, marking the first time Ruto and his former number two, Gachagua, met face-to-face since his speedy impeachment in October.
In the event graced by the Catholic faithful, mostly, the former deputy president was the first to arrive, flanked by a section of Mt Kenya politicians. President Ruto arrived moments at the event in the company of his deputy, Kithure Kindiki.
Former Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta followed suit as he joined the congregants in witnessing the concentration of Bishop Ndung’u.
President Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, DP Kithure Kindiki, and former DP Rigathi Gachagua attending the consecration and the installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u in Embu County pic.twitter.com/DrRol7Xxrb
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) November 16, 2024
The event was held at the Embu University grounds and would culminate in the Installation of Bishop-Elect Ndung’u as the Catholic Bishop of Embu Diocese.
Whereas most Kenyans had expected to see the trio all seated at the front seats, the former Deputy President was spotted sitting in the regular section together with MPs allied to him.Â
Uhuru and his successor, Ruto, are positioned in the Very Important Persons (VIP) section while flanked by senior government officials including Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Bishop Muheria, while introducing the three, the congregants could be heard clapping and cheering as they expressed their joy to see the senior politicians sharing the same platform.
“This is a year of grace, we welcome all to this ceremony, we have come in large numbers. It is such a respectful to see the President join us here today alongside his deputy. It is also important to see other politicians also join us,” noted Bishop Muheria.Â
“It is also a symbol of respect to see Bishop Kimani Nding’u accept the new role of working at the Lord’s house. We thank you for accepting the call and we will support you,” he added.
Whereas this marked the first appearance of Gachagua and Ruto at once, this is Uhuru’s first appearance since keeping a low profile and attending a few continental events.
However, this is the first event Ruto is attending since he went guns blazing against the clergy, accusing them of fuelling disinformation.
Ruto on Friday, November 15 advised the clergy to stop the criticism and work closely with the government towards the progress of the nation. “I want to ask leaders and clergy to work together towards a nation we can all be proud of and even as we engage in public discourse, which is important to Kenyans,” President Ruto commented.
“We must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing, I know you know what I mean.”
President Ruto’s sentiments came barely hours after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) bishops turned on his government, expressing its appallment for the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans.
The bishops boldly accused President Ruto’s administration of broken promises and failing to listen to Kenyans’ grievances.
