Embu, November 2024 – Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta made a rare public appearance on Saturday, joining his successor, President William Ruto, for the consecration and installation ceremony of Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani as the new Bishop of the Embu Diocese. This marks the first time since his retirement that President Kenyatta has shared the podium with President Ruto in Kenya.
The historic event, held at the Embu Catholic Church, was attended by several top government officials, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire. The installation ceremony saw hundreds of Catholic faithful gather to witness the ordination of Bishop Kimani, with a host of political leaders from the region also present to mark the occasion.
This event holds significant political importance, as it is the first time that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President Ruto have appeared together in public since Gachagua’s ouster last month. Gachagua, who arrived early at the ceremony accompanied by his allies from the Mount Kenya region, took the opportunity to make remarks highlighting his support for the newly installed Bishop and his hopes for the church’s leadership in the region.
“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 Embu Diocese,” Gachagua said. He went on to quote a passage from the Bible, Matthew 9:37-38, emphasizing the importance of leadership and service. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field,” he quoted, wishing the new Bishop success in shepherding the church’s flock.
The ceremony also marked a notable moment of reconciliation and unity in Kenyan politics, with Uhuru Kenyatta joining President Ruto on stage. Since retiring from office, President Kenyatta has largely stayed out of the political limelight, only making occasional public appearances, such as his role as a special envoy in regional peace efforts. His attendance at the installation of Bishop Kimani underscores his continued involvement in matters of national importance, particularly in the religious and peace-building arenas.
President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, also attended the event, underscoring the significance of the church’s role in promoting unity and social cohesion in Kenya. Local political leaders from Embu and the broader region were also in attendance, marking the occasion as a key event in the religious and political calendar of the region.
The installation of Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani as Bishop of Embu marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Embu Diocese, with the faithful hopeful that under his guidance, the church will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, peace, and unity for the region.
About Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani:
Rt. Reverend Peter Kimani is the newly installed Bishop of the Embu Diocese. A seasoned clergy member with years of service in the Catholic Church, Bishop Kimani is poised to lead the Diocese in its mission of spiritual growth, community service, and social justice
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