Uhuru, Ruto share podium as Gachagua watches from periphery

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto, his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki and former DP Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday attended the same meeting in Embu County.

 It was the first public meeting for the four, since Kindiki took over from Gachagua two weeks ago. 

They met during the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u, as the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu. Kindiki replaced Gachagua after the latter was removed from office by impeachment. 

Uhuru, Kindiki and Ruto took seats in the front row, while Gachagua sat among the other leaders present. 

A group of those present applauded each time Gachagua’s name was mentioned, pointing to the fact that a big chunk of Embu residents and Mt. Kenya at large did not support his removal from office. 

In his address, Kindiki said the Catholic church has been a blessing to Kenyans, through the numerous educational, health and water projects it sponsors across the country. 

“We want to thank the catholic church for sponsoring numerous educational, health, water and other projects that have had a big impact on the lives of Kenyans,” said the DP.

“I urge the church to continue praying for the country so that we may have a stable and a secure country.”

Kindiki was forced to break protocol so as to invite Uhuru to speak, before inviting President Ruto.

“Nowadays, I don’t have a lot of stories. I only watch TV and listen to the Radio,” said Uhuru, who served as Kenya’s fourth President from 2013 to 2022.

He echoed Kindiki’s call for the church to pray for peaceful coexistence among Kenyans. “We are all Kenyans. Leaders should respect Kenyans and they will reciprocate the respect,” he added.

He swiftly left the venue after handing over his present to the new archBishop.

President Ruto spoke for less than 10 minutes as locals sounded unwelcoming, perhaps due to perception that he played a role in Gachagua’s impeachment.