Ruto, Gachagua avoid greetings as they meet at Embu church event

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.

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.

“We are here to thank God and also the Pope for picking Rev Peter Kimani as the fourth Bishop of Embu Diocese. I want to assure you that all of us leaders are ready to work with you just like we are doing with your colleagues from other regions,” said President Ruto.

 “This week has been good for me and the Catholic Church because today I am in Embu for this important event. Yesterday (November 15), I was at the graduation of Tangaza University which is led by the Catholic Church,” President Ruto added. 

“The other day (Thursday) I received greetings from the Bishops, a letter and for me to complete, I must fellowship in a church tomorrow to ensure the week is complete,” he said.

“I want to assure the bishops that we shall correct the mistakes because Universal Health Coverage is a must-do because it will make a difference and ensure no citizen is left behind,” President Ruto assured.

Peace

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stressed the need to promote peace in the country.

"I pray and plead with the church to continue praying for the country to live in peace and harmony so we may have a secure country so that we can worship God and raise our families in the country that God gave to us," Prof Kindiki said.

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.

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.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta took to the podium to the cheers and jubilations from the congregates as he thanked God for the event.

“I want to thank God and the dioceses for the ordination of our friend and brother, my lord Bishop Peter Kimani. I thank God for today, take this opportunity to thank my friend and long-time friend for ascending to the new position.

“For a long time, we have been friends, truthful and humble. A person of respect and honour. A humane person and I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Embu have gotten a good leader,” said Mr Kenyatta.

He praised the new Bishop assuring the locals that they are in good hands.

“He will be a person that protects the interests of those he leads. He is a humble person. Even though he has a tall body and though he is told as described by the Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, he doesn’t antagonise people. He has no pride,” affirmed Mr Kenyatta.  

“I want to assure you that the way I know the people of Embu, they are generous people. People of a clean heart, hardworking and believe in God. They will stand by you and support you (Bishop Kimani) in your work of building the church,” he added.

National cohesion

Although the president the former president chose to steer clear of local politics, he called for peace and unity of the country devoid of tribalism.

He concurred with Prof Kindiki that the leaders should pray for national cohesion between leaders and the people.

“Let’s shun tribalism and preach love and unity. We are all Kenyans and Kenya cannot succeed if there are divisions, when people publicly attack each other, disrespecting each other,” Mr Kenyatta said

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.

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.

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