Nairobi, Kenya in a notable absence that raised eyebrows, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was not present today at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi County, where President William Ruto led the congregation for the Episcopal installation of Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi as the new Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya.
The event, which drew high-ranking officials, clergy, military officers, and members of the public, marked an important occasion for Kenya’s Catholic Church and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Rt. Rev. Gachihi, who is now responsible for overseeing the spiritual welfare of KDF personnel, was installed in a ceremony filled with prayers, hymns, and military honors. His role as the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate underscores the deep relationship between faith and military service in Kenya, offering a moral compass for soldiers in their line of duty.
While President Ruto was front and center at the event, offering his congratulations and emphasizing the critical role that spiritual leadership plays in bolstering national security and unity, the absence of Deputy President Gachagua was conspicuous. Traditionally, major state and religious events, especially ones attended by the President, also feature the Deputy President. Gachagua’s absence sparked speculation about his whereabouts, given his regular presence alongside the Head of State at high-profile engagements.
It remains unclear why Gachagua did not join the President at this high-level ceremony. Some political analysts suggest that his absence could be due to scheduling conflicts, while others hint at the possibility of internal political dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza administration. No official communication had been issued by the Deputy President’s office by the time of this publication, leaving the public and political pundits to speculate.
The Episcopal installation of Rt. Rev. Gachihi comes at a time when the role of spiritual guidance is being increasingly emphasized in various sectors of Kenyan life. President Ruto, a devout Christian, often speaks about the importance of faith in leadership, a message he reiterated at today’s event, saying, “The clergy have a special responsibility to guide our leaders and citizens in moral and ethical matters. Bishop Gachihi’s installation signifies our commitment to ensuring that even in the military, our men and women in uniform have a strong spiritual foundation.”
The newly installed Bishop Gachihi takes over the reins at a critical juncture, with the military playing a prominent role in securing national borders and peacekeeping missions across the region. His spiritual guidance is expected to provide the soldiers with a sense of purpose and moral direction, especially in challenging operational environments.
Despite the absence of Gachagua, the event proceeded smoothly, with the focus remaining on the new Bishop and his role in nurturing faith within the armed forces. As Bishop Gachihi begins his journey as the Military Ordinariate’s spiritual leader, the Catholic Church, the Kenya Defence Forces, and the nation will look to him for leadership and counsel in the years to come.
The absence of Deputy President Gachagua, however, leaves questions that may soon demand answers, particularly in light of the growing speculation about the relationship between him and the President, a dynamic that continues to shape the political landscape of Kenya.
By Creatorhub