Ruto responds after reverend warns him face-to-face at Ichung’wah’s father’s burial
President William Ruto has responded to a call by the moderator of the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Reverend Patrick Thegu Mutahi, urging leaders to make meaningful use of their time in office.
The remarks were delivered as the man of God ministered at the burial of Kimani Ichung’wah’s father, Isaac Ngugi, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
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Mutahi reminded mourners that the brevity of life makes it imperative for leaders to act decisively and responsibly.
“We cannot afford not to do the right things. Because of the shortness of our lives, those in leadership must use the limited time in office proactively because it is defined. We cannot afford to squander time because we are not very sure about tomorrow,” he said while preaching during the service.
Responding to the moderator’s message, President Ruto said it was a timely reminder that every leader, whether an MP, governor, or MCA, must use their time in office effectively to contribute meaningfully to the nation.
He emphasised that leadership requires deliberate action and collective responsibility, and every public servant has a role in shaping Kenya’s future.
“Thank you so much, our moderator, for the words you gave us so we can work hard. You reminded us that life is short, and because of that, everyone must do their part. If we are MCAs, we do our part; if we are governors, we do our part; if we are MPs, we do our part,” he said.
Ruto also noted his confidence in the country’s prospects, stressing that acting with purpose ensures that opportunities are maximised for national progress.
“All of us will make a contribution towards making this nation great, and I am very confident about the future of Kenya,” he said, adding that he attended the funeral with his wife, Rachael.”
The funeral of Isaac Ngugi, aged 105, drew a significant gathering of political leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.
Ngugi passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
He was remembered as a man of discipline and faith, who never touched alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, and who disapproved of tattoos, believing such habits were stumbling blocks to progress and unity.
Senior Reverend Kogu, who mentored him and led him to salvation, reiterated these convictions during the service, highlighting his lifelong commitment to faith, sobriety, and social responsibility.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if this old man were to stand here today and speak to you, he would say this: if you want to have a good, progressive, healthy and united nation, you have four things. must avoid drugs, alcohol, tobacco and tattoos. He always said these things. If you look around, you will see many people with tattoos, but he did not like them. He never drank alcohol, not even once,” the reverend said.
Born in 1920, Ngugi experienced hardship from an early age, losing his mother before he was five and being displaced with his family.
Despite these challenges, he grew into a figure of resilience and moral discipline, becoming a full member of the Church of the Torch PCEA Kikuyu.
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Steve Ireri
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