Saturday marked a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape as retired President Uhuru Kenyatta shared the stage with his successor, President William Ruto, at the installation of the new Catholic Bishop of Embu Diocese, Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani. This was the first time the two leaders had publicly appeared together since Uhuru retired from office in 2022. Their joint presence at the ceremony was a powerful reminder of Kenya’s changing political dynamics, signaling a moment of both reconciliation and reflection.
The event, which took place at Embu Cathedral, also saw the attendance of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Kithure Kindiki, in a rare gathering of top political leaders. The church service was attended by hundreds of Catholic faithful, local political figures, and key stakeholders from the Embu region, creating an atmosphere of unity within the church and the broader Mount Kenya community.
Gachagua was the first to arrive at the venue, accompanied by several of his allies from the Mount Kenya region, signaling the continuing influence he wields in the area. His early arrival was followed by President Ruto, who arrived alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. As the ceremony unfolded, the historical nature of the gathering became apparent: not only was this the first time Uhuru and Ruto were appearing publicly together since the former’s retirement, but it also marked the first time that Gachagua and Ruto would come face-to-face after Gachagua’s brief political ouster last month.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s presence at the installation ceremony is notable in that it represents a marked shift from his recent behavior since leaving office. After his retirement, Kenyatta largely distanced himself from the public eye, only emerging at select events, such as leading regional peace efforts in his role as a special envoy. Last month, he attended the 15th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. His appearance at the Embu church service was thus seen by many as an important public return, underscoring his continuing role in the country’s political and diplomatic spheres.
For Deputy President Gachagua, the ceremony also held significant political weight. In his speech, Gachagua took a moment to emphasize biblical quotes, particularly from the Gospel of Matthew, which spoke to the themes of leadership and stewardship. Quoting Matthew 9:37-38, Gachagua highlighted the need for more workers in the Lord’s harvest, a message that resonated deeply with the congregation and served as a subtle reference to the political harvest the region was seeking.
“I am delighted to join the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Embu for the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Rt. Rev. Peter Kimani as the Bishop of the Embu Diocese. Congratulations, Bishop Kimani, I wish you the very best on this day and always as you shepherd in the vineyard of the Lord,” Gachagua remarked.
His words were carefully chosen and were closely monitored by political observers, especially considering that he was accompanied by his political allies from the Mount Kenya region. The tension between Gachagua and Ruto, following Gachagua’s brief political setback last month, made the event a focal point for political discussions. His speech was seen as an opportunity to reaffirm his position within the region and the larger national political scene.
The presence of Governor Cecily Mbarire, a prominent local leader, further underscored the political and social significance of the event. Mbarire’s participation highlighted the strong ties between the local government and the Catholic Church, as well as the ongoing efforts to unite different political factions in Embu and the broader Mount Kenya region.
In conclusion, the installation of Rt. Rev. Peter Kimani as the new bishop of Embu Diocese was not only a religious occasion but also a political one. It marked a rare moment of unity among Kenya’s political elites, with Uhuru Kenyatta’s public appearance alongside William Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua, and Kithure Kindiki symbolizing a new chapter in the country’s political history. As Kenya continues to navigate its post-2022 political landscape, events like the Embu church service serve as a reminder of the complexities and the evolving relationships among the country’s leaders.
