Shock as Ruto Snubs Pope Francis Burial, Sends Wetangula Instead
In a move that has left many Kenyans stunned and raised eyebrows across diplomatic and religious circles, President William Ruto will not be attending the state funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican. Instead, he has appointed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to represent Kenya at the high-profile global event.
The funeral, set for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square, is expected to draw a formidable assembly of world leaders, including heads of state, royals, and religious dignitaries, all converging to pay their final respects to a globally admired spiritual leader. The absence of President Ruto from such a historic gathering has provoked shock, disappointment, and widespread speculation.
Public and Religious Reactions Stirred
Many observers, especially within Kenya’s vibrant Catholic community, are questioning the symbolism and message behind the President’s decision.
Kenya has long maintained strong diplomatic ties with the Vatican and is home to millions of Catholics who revered Pope Francis not only as a religious figurehead but also as a champion of the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.
“This is not just a religious ceremony—it is a moment of global significance,” said one Nairobi-based political analyst. “For President Ruto to skip it sends the wrong message about Kenya’s engagement on the international stage, particularly with faith-based institutions.”
Church leaders, too, have quietly expressed disappointment, viewing the decision as a missed opportunity to honour a Pope who inspired reform and stood up for values that deeply resonate with the Kenyan people.
Wetang’ula Steps In as Ruto Stays Away
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed his appointment while leading Members of Parliament in offering condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi. According to Wetang’ula, President Ruto had personally nominated him to stand in for the country at the late pontiff’s funeral.
Wetang’ula is expected to depart this evening for Rome, where he will join an elite group of global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Also attending are Argentine President Javier Milei, representing the Pope’s home country, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
A Farewell Unlike Any Other
The funeral will mark the end of a nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales, held in honour of the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. The Pope had been battling double pneumonia for over a month before succumbing to the illness.
In his spiritual testament, dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis requested a burial marked by humility—no lavish tombs, no grand marble; just a simple grave at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with the inscription Franciscus.
He also approved reforms to the traditional papal burial rituals in 2024, opting to eliminate the practice of burial in three coffins. Instead, he will be laid to rest in a wooden coffin with a zinc interior—an act of simplicity in line with the values he preached throughout his pontificate.
A Global Moment—And Kenya’s Absence at the Top Table
As thousands continue to gather daily in the Vatican to view the late Pope’s body and attend special Masses in his honour, attention is now shifting to the geopolitical optics of the funeral.
With nearly every major world leader confirming their attendance, President Ruto’s absence has become glaring. Commentators across the region are questioning whether this decision may have diplomatic ramifications, particularly in a time when Kenya is actively seeking to expand its global influence.
“This isn’t just about a funeral. It’s about presence, symbolism, and diplomacy,” one international affairs expert remarked. “Pope Francis was one of the most respected moral leaders in modern history. To sit out his farewell while everyone else shows up—it’s hard to ignore.”
Legacy Overshadowed by Absence
Pope Francis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and global peace. His advocacy for the voiceless resonated beyond the Catholic Church, earning him admiration from millions, including non-Catholics and political leaders worldwide.
As the bells of St. Peter’s prepare to toll and the world prepares to say goodbye, the absence of Kenya’s president from this momentous occasion is being read as more than just a scheduling decision—it’s being viewed as a profound diplomatic misstep.
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Shock as Ruto Snubs Pope Francis Burial, Sends Wetangula Instead
