National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is set to fly to Rome to represent President William Ruto at the burial of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Speaking at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi on Thursday, April 24, Wetang’ula confirmed that he had been officially nominated by President Ruto to attend the high-profile funeral ceremony in Vatican City.
“President William Ruto is currently 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 join other world leaders in bidding farewell to our Pope,” he said.
Wetang’ula also reflected on Kenya’s deep-rooted spiritual values and its long-standing connection with the global Catholic Church.
“Kenya remains profoundly part of the family of progressive leadership of the Catholic Church and all churches and the fraternity of churches because at the end of the day, we believe in one God,” he added.
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Raila Odinga: “Pope Francis Was a Voice for the Weak”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga paid tribute to the late Pope, describing him as a compassionate leader and a symbol of peace and hope.
“He was a very gentle person who constantly prayed for the world. Whenever there was trouble or injustice, he spoke out. He championed the rights of the downtrodden,” Raila said.
“I hope the Catholic Church gets another Pope like him. Though I am not Catholic, I’m a Christian and a friend of Catholics. That’s why we are all pained by his loss,” he added.
Pope Francis’ Final Wishes
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. According to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the cause of death was a cerebral stroke that resulted in coma and cardiovascular collapse. Contributing health factors included bilateral pneumonia, chronic bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.
He requested a modest burial at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major with a simple tomb bearing only the inscription “Franciscus.”
The Vatican confirmed that the burial costs would be covered by a benefactor and arranged through Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Basilica.
Kenya’s Presence at the Global Event
Kenya’s representation at the papal funeral underscores its respect for interfaith relations and international religious diplomacy. Wetang’ula will join other world leaders in honoring the legacy of the first Pope from the Global South.
The ceremony is expected to draw global attention as millions mourn the death of one of the most influential religious figures of the 21st century.
