Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, lived up to his popular nickname “Papa wa Roma” again this week as he travelled to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis at Vatican City.
Wetang’ula earned the nickname “Papa wa Roma”, Swahili for “Pope of Rome”, from his supporters in Bungoma County and across Western Kenya.
It was one of those rare moments when the political nickname collided perfectly with real life. At St. Peter’s Square, Wetang’ula joined hundreds of thousands of mourners and world leaders for the solemn mass led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Sharing his experience on X, Wetang’ula paid an emotional tribute to Pope Francis, praising him for his humility and commitment to service.
“He reminded the world that true greatness lies in humility and love that leaves no one behind,” Wetang’ula said.
He described Pope Francis’ voice as gentle but firm, adding that the late Pope constantly called humanity to fraternity, mercy, and the defence of the poor.
Wetang’ula also praised the beauty of the ceremony, describing how the liturgical rites conducted by Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli and the sacred chants from the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina elevated the prayers of those present.
He called the final salute by the Pontifical Swiss Guard a fitting and emotional farewell to the Pontiff.
He mentioned that he joined President Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and many other world leaders and dignitaries at the Vatican for the final farewell to the Pope.
In August 2024, Papa Wa Roma visited Vatican City and met Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. Wetang’ula expressed his admiration for the Pope, describing him as a true servant leader who brings hope, equality, and opportunity to the less fortunate. He also highlighted the Pope’s embodiment of mercy, love, compassion, and courage in leading the universal church.
Origin of Papa Wa Roma
Locals began calling him this due to the strong influence he wields in the region, with many likening the loyalty he commands to the way Catholics around the world follow the Pope. His supporters saw his political authority as firm yet revered, just like that of the Pontiff.
Over time, Wetang’ula has embraced the moniker, with Kenyans casually referring to him by the title.
However, not everyone agrees with this nickname. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has in the past criticised it, arguing that such religious titles should be reserved for actual church leaders.
Natembeya warned that using such terms in politics could risk creating a form of political idolatry.
“In our culture, we had ceased worshipping human beings. Do you want us to tremble and bow down when you pass? Papa wa Roma kitu gani? We only have one pope. Kenya has only one pope. You call yourself Pope, and you’re married to two wives; that is a mistake. I am a Catholic and only know one pope. Do not give yourself titles to threaten us. We will not fear you,” Natembeya said in a past address.
Despite the controversy, even President William Ruto has played along. In a light-hearted moment during a parliamentary event, Ruto humorously referred to Wetang’ula as the Right Reverend, a comment that left the crowd laughing.
“Mr Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, the Right Reverend. I heard somebody say it and I thought because he is Papa wa Roma, maybe he now qualifies,” Ruto said.