Ruto, Uhuru, Gachagua meet at Catholic bishop’s consecration in Embu
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The event's organisers introduced the leaders amid loud cheers from the crowd, signalling public interest in the high-profile reunion.
Almost 26 months after he took power, President William Ruto, former head of state Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made their first joint public appearance.
The leaders met Saturday during the installation of Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani Ndung'u as the Embu Catholic Diocese bishop.
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The event brought together political heavyweights and thousands of Catholic faithful.
Gachagua, who was accompanied by a group of allies from the Mount Kenya region, arrived at the event first.
President Ruto later joined the congregation alongside his Deputy Kithure Kindiki.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also attended the event which marked a rare gathering of Kenya's current and former leaders.
The last time Kenyatta, Ruto and Gachagua shared an event was on September 13, 2022, during Ruto’s swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani Stadium.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other Mt Kenya leaders during the installation of Embu Catholic Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u. (Photo: Handout)
Notable sitting arrangements
While the ceremony in Embu highlighted unity among leaders, sitting arrangements reflected the lingering tensions. Ruto, Kindiki, and Kenyatta occupied the VIP section alongside other senior government officials.
However, Gachagua was seated in the regular section together with MPs allied to him.
The event's organisers introduced the leaders amid loud cheers from the crowd, signalling public interest in the high-profile reunion.
Mount Kenya politics
This was the first meeting between Ruto and Gachagua since the Senate's swift impeachment of the former deputy president in October.
Gachagua has maintained a strong presence in the Mount Kenya region, frequently attending social events such as church services and funerals to solidify his support base.
In a recent public address, Gachagua urged Mount Kenya's youth to register as voters, promising to provide political direction ahead of the 2027 elections. His remarks have reignited discussions about his potential political comeback.
Meanwhile, some Mount Kenya MPs who supported Gachagua's ouster are reportedly facing backlash from voters, with murmurs of recall petitions gaining momentum in their constituencies.
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