Gachagua Reveals Why Ruto Attended Pope Francis’ Funeral Despite Sending Wetang’ula
In a revealing interview, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shed light on the real reasons behind President William Ruto’s unexpected decision to personally attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, despite initially delegating Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to represent him.
Speaking to Weru TV on Sunday, April 27, Gachagua explained that Ruto’s actions stemmed from a deep-seated issue within his leadership style—an overwhelming lack of trust in others to carry out critical duties. “I saw my brother William Ruto sending Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to the pope’s burial to convey his condolences. But he was not satisfied, so he went there himself,” Gachagua disclosed.
According to Gachagua, the president’s move was not merely ceremonial but revealed a broader governance problem. He argued that Ruto’s decision exposed a reluctance to delegate important responsibilities, even after entrusting them to high-ranking officials. “That is the kind of president we have. He does not trust anybody to do anything. He does not trust anybody. He wants to do everything. Even the condolence message he wanted to send it himself,” Gachagua emphasized.
Gachagua also raised concerns over the financial implications of the president’s actions. He questioned why public funds were used to facilitate Wetang’ula’s trip to Rome if Ruto ultimately chose to attend the funeral himself. “Wetang’ula was sent to Rome to represent the president. But Ruto himself came after his visit to China and went there as well. So what was the essence of using government money to send Wetang’ula if he was going?” Gachagua posed.
President Ruto had just completed a four-day official state visit to China before making his way directly to Rome.
His personal attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral, held at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26, caught many by surprise. After all, it had been previously announced that Wetang’ula would stand in for him at the solemn event.
Nonetheless, Ruto’s presence in Rome aligned him with numerous world leaders who gathered to pay their respects to Pope Francis. His decision, while praised by some as a demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to international relations, was seen by Gachagua and other critics as unnecessary and extravagant.
The former deputy president’s revelations added a new layer to the political discourse surrounding the incident. While some supporters defended Ruto’s choice as a show of personal respect to the Catholic community, others echoed Gachagua’s concerns about leadership trust and prudent use of state resources.
Furthermore, Gachagua’s comments highlighted the growing scrutiny President Ruto faces over internal governance practices. In an era where public accountability is increasingly demanded, such revelations carry significant weight in shaping public opinion.
By bringing these issues to light, Gachagua has intensified debate over the president’s management style and commitment to responsible governance.
As political observers continue to watch closely, the underlying message from Gachagua remains clear: leadership demands not just personal involvement but also trust in one’s team.
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Gachagua Reveals Why Ruto Attended Pope Francis’ Funeral Despite Sending Wetang’ula
