President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the ordination and installation of Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani as the Bishop of the Embu Catholic Diocese.
The event, held on November 16, 2024, in Embu, marked a rare public reunion of these leaders, drawing attention to Kenya’s dynamic political and religious landscape.
This occasion was historic, as it brought together leaders who have experienced political tensions in recent months.
Former President Kenyatta and President Ruto shared a public platform for the first time since Uhuru’s retirement.
Meanwhile, Gachagua, appearing alongside his Mount Kenya allies, faced Ruto and Kindiki in person for the first time since his impeachment, sparking significant public and media interest in their interactions.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of Catholic faithful, local leaders, and dignitaries. While the religious proceedings highlighted unity and faith, the seating arrangements reportedly sparked discussions about current political dynamics.
Gachagua was seated apart from Ruto and other senior officials, fueling speculation about the relationships among the leaders following recent political upheavals.
Amid the ecclesiastical atmosphere, Gachagua quoted from the Bible to underscore the significance of leadership and service, while President Ruto emphasized the importance of supporting faith institutions in fostering community development.
The installation of Bishop Kimani was seen as a unifying moment, offering a platform for political leaders to set aside differences and focus on shared values.