‘Extinguished Candle, Extinguished Power’: Senator Kinyua Predicts Ruto’s Fall After Vatican Incident

Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has claimed that President William Ruto’s candle failing to light during the burial ceremony of Pope Francis in the Vatican is a sign of impending political downfall in 2027.

Speaking during the 26th anniversary celebrations of St Louis Igwamiti Parish in Ol Joro Orok Constituency, Nyandarua County, Kinyua said he was deeply disturbed after witnessing the incident unfold on television.

“I was shocked in a way I have never been before. I watched our President at the Vatican. All the leaders had their candles lit, but President Ruto’s candle refused to light. He was even asked to step back while others whose candles were burning were moved forward. That, my people, is a sign that come 2027, his candle will have been extinguished,” Kinyua told the congregation.

The senator linked the symbolism to what he termed as the government’s failures on the ground, saying promises made by the Kenya Kwanza administration to Laikipia residents had largely been unmet. He cited the persistent problem of elephant invasions destroying crops, rising insecurity, and the continued cries for help from frustrated citizens.

“We were promised that elephants would be kept in forests, yet they destroy our crops daily. Robbers still roam freely. Our prayers seem unanswered,” he lamented.

Backing recent sentiments by Catholic Bishop Antony Muheria, Kinyua criticized the government for focusing more on announcing plans rather than delivering tangible results.

“The role of government is not to shout about what they plan to do, but to act. If they don’t change, they will not only lose our trust but also lose power,” Kinyua warned.

The senator also took the opportunity to praise former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the Mount Kenya region saw real development under his influence, including the fight against illicit brews, improved security, and better coffee prices for farmers.

Kinyua ended his speech by reaffirming his loyalty to Gachagua, revealing he had resisted government efforts to sway his support.

“I have been bought countless times not to back Gachagua, but I have never changed my stance, and I will not change it. It is Gachagua all the way,” he declared.

The senator’s remarks are expected to further fuel political tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition as the 2027 elections draw closer.

In other news: Gachagua Claims War on Drugs Doomed with ‘Barons’ in Ruto Cabinet

‘Extinguished Candle, Extinguished Power’: Senator Kinyua Predicts Ruto’s Fall After Vatican Incident