President William Ruto faced brutal mockery online after a symbolic candle he held failed to light during the burial of Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The incident, captured on television, quickly went viral, with Kenyans interpreting it as a bad omen for Ruto’s political future.
Among the critics was Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, who sensationally linked the embarrassing moment to Ruto’s possible downfall in the 2027 elections.
Speaking during celebrations at St Louis Igwamiti Parish in Nyandarua County, Kinyua said he was deeply shaken by the scene, viewing it as a sign of rejection and impending political extinction.
“I was shocked beyond words. While others’ candles lit up, his refused, and he was even moved backwards,” Kinyua remarked, adding that it symbolized the extinguishing of Ruto’s leadership.
Social media users joined the frenzy, questioning what Ruto, a non-Catholic, was doing with a candle at the Vatican.
Comments ranged from religious symbolism to outright ridicule, with some suggesting divine intervention exposed him.
Kinyua further accused Ruto’s administration of broken promises, citing failures in addressing insecurity and human-wildlife conflicts in Laikipia.
He praised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s efforts before his political sidelining and vowed continued loyalty to him.
As online criticism mounted, the candle mishap became more than just a fleeting embarrassment it reignited political debates and frustrations among citizens disillusioned with Ruto’s leadership.
The moment, many argue, could become a lasting metaphor for the president’s troubled tenure heading into the 2027 polls.
