MP Amisi criticizes President Ruto over Rome trip

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has criticized President William Ruto for traveling to the Vatican after appointing Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, to represent him at Pope Francis' funeral.

In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Amisi expressed confusion over the president’s decision to send a representative and then attend the same event himself.

Amisi pointed out that while it was appropriate for President Ruto to designate Wetang’ula to attend the funeral on his behalf, it seemed unusual for the president to follow him to the Vatican.

He remarked that the move appeared as though Ruto was going to observe how Wetang’ula was representing him.

"The president appointed the Speaker of the National Assembly to stand in for him at the Vatican for the Pope’s funeral, which is entirely proper. However, the president himself then traveled to the Vatican, seemingly to check in with Wetang’ula and see how he was being represented," Amisi wrote.

Earlier, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had shared heartfelt tributes on his X account, honoring the late Pope Francis for his humility and unwavering commitment to service.

Wetang’ula described Pope Francis as a leader who reminded the world that true greatness is found in humility and love, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.

He noted that, despite the Pope’s gentle voice, his messages were resolute, urging humanity to embrace fraternity, mercy, and the protection of the poor.

The Speaker mentioned that the funeral service was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and was attended by members of the College of Cardinals, the Roman Curia, and faithful from across the globe.

He praised the liturgical rites conducted by Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli and the sacred chants from the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, which, according to Wetang’ula, enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Wetang’ula also commended the final tribute from the Pontifical Swiss Guard, calling it a dignified farewell to the late Pope.

In a separate message, Wetang’ula stated that he had joined President Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, hundreds of thousands of mourners, and numerous world leaders and dignitaries at the solemn requiem mass held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

After completing a four-day state visit to China that began on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, President William Ruto traveled to Rome, Italy, on Friday, April 26, 2025.

His visit to Rome was to join other world leaders and thousands of Catholic faithful in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.