National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is set to depart for 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 nominated by Ruto to attend the high-profile event.
"President William Ruto is out 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 go and join other world leaders in sending off our Pope," he said.
Wetang'ula further highlighted Kenya's connection to the church community, noting the country's deep-rooted spiritual values and respect for religious leadership.
"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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On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga recalled how Pope Francis touched many lives, noting that his death is a huge blow to humanity.
“He was a very gentle person, he struggled to pray for the world. Each time there is trouble or problems anywhere in the world, he has been the voice of reason. He has spoken for the downtrodden and has spoken for the weakest; he spoke against injustice.
“I hope the Catholic Church gets another Pope like him, I'm not a Catholic but I am a christian and a friend of Catholics, that is why we have all been pained by the loss of Pope Francis. He is the first Pope from the Global South and he exemplified the spirit of hope, reconciliation and of compassion” he said.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
According to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
Contributing factors included a recent episode of bilateral pneumonia, chronic bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.
The Vatican revealed that Pope Francis requested to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The Pope instructed that his burial place be simple and without any decorations, also requesting that the word - Franciscus - be inscribed on the tomb.
"The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica," he said.
