Ruto, Gachagua avoid greetings as they meet at Embu church event
President William Ruto (right) in a conversation with his deputy Kithure Kindiki (centre) and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta during the installation of Rev Peter Kimani as the fourth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu at the University of Embu on November 16, 2024. Inset: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
What you need to know:
- President Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki attended the same church event with Mr Gachagua and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Mr Gachagua entered the muddy venue early and sat in the front row of the congregation, choosing to watch the proceedings from there.
President William Ruto did not greet his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua when the two met in public on Saturday for the first time after the latter's recent impeachment.
This happened in Embu County where President Ruto and his new deputy Kithure Kindiki attended the same event with not only Mr Gachagua but also retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and President William Ruto at a church function in Embu on November 16, 2024.
This was during the episcopal ordination and installation of Rev Peter Kimani as the fourth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu at the University of Embu grounds.
The failure of Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua to greet each other was a clear demonstration of their continuing political differences.
Mr Kenyatta, on the other hand, arrived shortly after the Head of State and received a standing ovation from the congregation and leaders present. He later shook hands with Dr Ruto and Prof Kindiki.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto greet each other at a church function in Embu on November 16, 2024.
Worshippers loudly cheered Mr Kenyatta as he made his way to the front seats, temporarily disrupting the ceremony.
This necessitated the intervention of Archbishop Anthony Muheria, who reminded the worshippers that they were in a church service and should maintain silence.
Mr Gachagua entered the muddy venue early and sat in the front row of the congregation, choosing to watch the proceedings from there.
Former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu and Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba accompanied Mr Gachagua to the ceremony.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua (centre) and other leaders at a church function in Embu on November 16, 2024.
Hundreds of Catholic faithful and clergy were also present. The event was also a celebration of 100 years of evangelisation by the Catholic Church in Embu. It comes just days after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a hard-hitting statement against President Ruto's administration.
Catholic bishops led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia accused the government of perpetuating a culture of lies, failing to listen to the demands of the people and sabotaging the country's democratic gains.
President Ruto's allies – Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, Embu South MP Nebart Muriuki, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi and Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji – were also present.
Governor Mbarire sat next to Dr Ruto and the two were seen consulting regularly.
