Ruto cracks up MPs, Senators after referring to Wetang'ula as 'Right reverend'

Ruto joked that because of the nickname Papa wa Roma, maybe Wetang'ula qualifies to be a reverend

In Summary

• As he stood to speak, the President who was observing protocol in salutations called the National Assembly Speaker as the Right reverend.

• The leaders present burst into laughter as Ruto explained that he had heard Moses Wetang'ula being called that.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula outside Bunge Tower on April 25, 2024.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula outside Bunge Tower on April 25, 2024.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday cracked up elected leaders as he made his remarks during the opening of the new Ultra-modern Bunge Tower.

As he stood to speak, the President who was observing protocol in salutations called the National Assembly Speaker as the Right reverend.

The leaders present burst into laughter as Ruto explained that he had heard Moses Wetang'ula being called that.

He then noted that in his mind he thought the reference came because the National Assembly Speaker is also nicknamed "Papa wa Roma".

Papa wa Roma translates to Pope of Rome.

Ruto joked that because of the nickname Papa wa Roma, maybe Wetang'ula qualifies to be a reverend.

"Mr Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, the Right Reverend (laughs) I heard somebody say it and I thought because he is Papa wa Roma maybe he now qualifies," Ruto said.

In his Bungoma County backyard, Papa wa Roma is the nickname Wetang'ula uses during campaigns.

The name is widely known across the country.

The official opening of Bunge Tower had been scheduled for Friday last week but was postponed.

This was due to the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other military officers in a tragic air accident at Sindar area, in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

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