Nairobi, Kenya – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has finally clarified the reasons behind President William Ruto’s unexpected appearance at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, despite initially sending National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula as Kenya’s representative.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, Mudavadi explained that Wetangula had been deployed as a contingency measure in case the President’s tight schedule during his state visit to China prevented him from attending the Vatican event.
“The Head of State was on an official visit to China. One of the major challenges was whether he would be able to conclude all state engagements on time to travel to the Vatican,” Mudavadi said.
“As a precaution, Speaker Wetangula was sent ahead as a fallback option. But fortunately, the President completed his engagements in time and made it to the funeral service himself.”
Mudavadi emphasized that President Ruto’s attendance ensured Kenya was properly represented and that the plan was always to maintain flexibility, depending on how events unfolded in China.
Debunks Candle Rumours
Mudavadi also addressed growing online claims that President Ruto’s candle failed to light during the funeral ceremony, an incident that some critics suggested symbolized rejection or embarrassment on the international stage.
He dismissed the rumours, stating that no candles were used during the funeral because it was held during the day.
“There were no candles lit at the funeral. It was conducted in broad daylight, and having open flames around so many world leaders would have raised serious security concerns,” Mudavadi clarified.
“So, the claims circulating about a candle failing to light are completely untrue.”
Senator’s Allegation Sparks Controversy
The statement came after Laikipia County Senator John Kinyua made bold allegations on the Senate floor, suggesting that President Ruto’s candle failed to light and that he was asked to move back during the service.
“I was shocked while watching TV coverage. All the leaders seated in front had candles that lit up, but President Ruto’s did not,” Kinyua claimed.
“What shocked me more was that he was politely moved backwards while others whose candles lit were moved forward. That, my people, is a sign that by 2027, his candle might be extinguished.”
His remarks sparked political debate and drew backlash from Ruto allies, with many accusing the senator of spreading misinformation and fueling unnecessary political tension.
Gachagua Weighs In
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in on the matter during a televised interview, suggesting that President Ruto’s decision to attend in person may indicate a lack of confidence in his delegation.
“I saw my brother William Ruto sending Speaker Wetangula to the Vatican to deliver Kenya’s condolences. But he later went himself. That tells you he didn’t fully trust the job would be done to his satisfaction,” Gachagua remarked.
Public Reactions
President Ruto’s Vatican trip caught many Kenyans by surprise, with social media abuzz over his unannounced detour.
While some accused him of unnecessary globe-trotting, others defended the move as an act of personal commitment to honor the Pope.
Regardless of the divided opinions, Mudavadi’s detailed explanation appears to have laid the issue to rest, at least officially.
It now remains to be seen whether the political symbolism surrounding the event will continue to shape public discourse as the country edges closer to the 2027 general elections.
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