The fallout from Charlene Ruto’s lavish Mwanza wedding is still making waves, and this time it has drawn in a prominent bishop and one of Kenya’s most recognisable MPs.
Nominated MP and bishop Dr Jackson Kosgei, the father of celebrated gospel singer Emmy Kosgei, has taken a swipe at Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi over his conduct during the high-profile ceremony. Charlene, President William Ruto’s daughter, married Tanzanian businessman Isaya Yunge on Friday, November 6, in a star-studded celebration that was watched closely across the country.
What did Bishop Kosgei say about Sudi?
In remarks that quickly went viral on TikTok, Bishop Kosgei aimed at politicians he accused of going to great lengths to be photographed and filmed alongside the president at public events.
He suggested such behaviour pointed to insecurity and a hunger to be perceived as powerful within political circles.
“Those who keep passing in front of the President all the time with cameras do not mean they are closer to him. That is a sign of a problem. You’re suffering from insecurity and want to demonstrate to the world that you’re close to the President and take selfies,” he said.
The Bishop also raised concerns about politicians allegedly paying hecklers to disrupt rival leaders during presidential visits.
While he stopped short of naming Sudi directly, the remarks were widely understood as targeting the Kapseret MP, who had been a constant presence throughout the wedding festivities.
Sudi had attracted significant attention that week. He was photographed walking alongside President Ruto on arrival in Mwanza, was seen chatting with First Lady Rachel Ruto and Charlene before the ceremony, and was the first person on the dais as the newlyweds made their way to the stage.
He also shared a 102-photo album from the celebrations on Facebook and was filmed directing dancers to clear space on the dance floor for the couple.
Many Kenyans online joked that he had quietly transitioned from lawmaker to head of presidential security.
Did Sudi respond to Bishop Kosgei?
The MP did not let the criticism pass quietly. Sudi questioned how the Bishop had been using his time since entering Parliament through nomination, and challenged him to focus on uplifting persons living with disabilities rather than targeting younger politicians.
He also suggested Bishop Kosgei appeared to have drifted from his preaching roots since taking his parliamentary seat.
The remark drew backlash from some religious and political circles. Despite the tension, Sudi said he would keep the bishop in his prayers.
