Moses Wetang’ula Clarifies Claims Ruto’s Candle Went Out at Pope Francis’ Funeral
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has addressed growing speculation surrounding President William Ruto’s recent trip to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, offering a detailed clarification on events that have been misrepresented online and in political circles. His statement comes amid widespread rumours—some bordering on the bizarre—concerning the president’s presence and participation at the solemn religious occasion.
President Ruto had travelled to Rome alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to pay Kenya’s last respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday after a prolonged battle with respiratory illness. The pontiff was buried on April 26 at the Basilica of Saint Maria Maggiore, a funeral service attended by an estimated 150 world leaders, including monarchs, heads of state, and global dignitaries.
During the president’s absence, he temporarily delegated official duties to Speaker Wetang’ula, who remained in the country. However, it was during and shortly after the funeral that speculation emerged. Some commentators suggested that the president was not accorded the respect befitting a visiting head of state, while others, more sensationally, claimed that a candle assigned to him failed to light during the service—purportedly a spiritual omen.
Speaking at a fundraiser at Friends Secondary School in Shamakhokho on Saturday, May 3, Wetang’ula directly addressed the rumours, describing them as “entirely misleading and founded on ignorance of religious practice.”
“As Catholics, no individual is given a personal candle during mass,” he explained. “Candles are not handed out for individual lighting. Rather, they are lit on the altar and remain burning throughout the service. The idea that someone’s candle failed to light is completely false and intended to create unnecessary alarm.”
Wetang’ula emphasized that the Catholic Church’s liturgical practices during papal funerals are well-structured and uniform, with no variation for guests, regardless of their rank or political status. His remarks appeared aimed not just at correcting misconceptions but also at reaffirming the dignity of Kenya’s representation at the high-profile event.
The Speaker also dismissed claims that the president was seated among the general public during the ceremony rather than with other world leaders. “Let it be clear: we were seated with 150 global leaders, including 50 presidents and 10 kings and queens. There was no breach of protocol. Kenya was fully represented with the respect it deserves,” he said.
Wetang’ula, who is a practising Catholic, shared that he took an active role in guiding his non-Catholic colleagues—President Ruto and Prime CS Mudavadi—through the various religious rites observed during the mass. With light humour, he recounted, “Since I am Catholic and they are not, I had to guide them on when to stand, when to kneel, and how to follow the rituals. It was a spiritual experience for all of us.”
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He went on to say that the Kenyan delegation returned from Rome feeling spiritually fulfilled. “We came back very holy. When you see us walking now, just know even God is watching us,” he remarked with a smile, drawing laughter from the audience.
Beyond dispelling the specific rumours, Wetang’ula used the opportunity to call for more responsible public discourse, particularly when addressing matters of national and religious significance. He warned against the spread of misinformation, especially via social media, where exaggerated claims can easily gain traction.
“These kinds of narratives are not just baseless—they undermine the dignity of our nation and our leaders. They also mislead people who may not understand the structure of religious services or the protocols of international diplomacy,” he noted.
The Speaker also took time to address insinuations that President Ruto’s decision to travel abroad with key leaders such as Mudavadi indicated a lack of trust in those left behind. “The delegation was carefully constituted, and roles were clearly assigned. The president entrusted me with certain responsibilities during his absence. That’s not a sign of mistrust—it’s leadership,” Wetang’ula said.
He reminded Kenyans that international engagements such as attending the funeral of a sitting or former pope are moments of global significance that require diplomatic presence. Kenya’s participation, he emphasized, was not only appropriate but essential in reinforcing the country’s respect for global institutions and its commitment to interfaith harmony.
“Pope Francis was a towering spiritual figure who touched lives beyond the borders of religion and nationality. Our attendance was a mark of honour, solidarity, and diplomacy,” he said.
Pope Francis, revered for his humility and commitment to the poor, was buried in a simple wooden coffin, consistent with his wishes outlined in his spiritual testament. The ceremony, held at one of Rome’s most historic basilicas, drew tributes from across the globe and served as a powerful reminder of the universality of faith and leadership.
As Wetang’ula concluded his remarks, he urged Kenyans to remain focused on unity and national pride. “We must not allow ourselves to be divided or distracted by trivial matters. Let us rise above gossip and remember that our leaders carry the image of our country wherever they go.”
In doing so, the Speaker not only clarified misleading claims but also reinforced the role of truth and dignity in public dialogue—a timely message as Kenya continues to navigate both domestic and international challenges.
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Moses Wetang’ula Clarifies Claims Ruto’s Candle Went Out at Pope Francis’ Funeral
