Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned President Ruto over his decision to attend Pope Francis’ funeral despite having already sent National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as Kenya’s official representative.
Speaking in a recent interview, Gachagua criticized Ruto’s actions as wasteful and indicative of a mistrust of those around him.
“President William Ruto sent Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to represent him at Pope Francis’ funeral, but he was not satisfied; he ended up attending the funeral as well. That is the kind of president we have; he does not trust anyone to do anything,” he said.
Gachagua calls out President Ruto for attending Pope’s Burial despite having already sent Speaker Wetang’ula. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua moreover questioned the unnecessary spending of public funds on Wetang’ula’s trip, only for Ruto to fly to Rome himself.
“Wetang’ula spent taxpayers’ money to travel to Rome, yet Ruto flew from China to Rome as well. What was the need of using taxpayers’ money to send Wetang’ula to attend the funeral when Ruto was also going to attend? But that is Ruto, he does not trust anyone; he wants to do everything,” he added.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi had also criticized Ruto over his decision to attend the Pope’s funeral.
Taking to his X account, the MP wondered why the President followed Wetang’ula to the event.
According to the MP, the decision by Ruto made it look like he had travelled to the Vatican to observe how he was being represented by the National Assembly Speaker.
Speaking at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi on Thursday, April 24, Wetang’ula confirmed that he had been nominated by Ruto to attend the high-profile event.
“President William Ruto is out in China; he has nominated and instructed me to represent him at the burial of the Pope on Saturday. I’ll be leaving tonight for Rome to go and join other world leaders in sending off our Pope,” he said.
However, come Saturday, President Ruto put up an update noting that he had landed in Rome to join other leaders in sending off the Pope.
