Bungoma county residents and classmates of newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula explained that he was nicknamed 'Papa wa Roma' as all his directives and orders are followed to the letter.
On Friday, September 9 the villagers likened the new speaker to the Pope's vast power and authority.
"We have witnessed in the concluded General Election, that anyone who defied Wetangula was defeated. This is why when Wetangula passes in Bungoma County and the entire Western region, we call him 'Papa wa Roma. It is the law and tradition to follow all he says," the residents added.
Another noted that the nickname ensured Wetangula's leadership was respected from the village to the county.
"When the Pope gives an order during a sermon or meeting, the order is followed by all pastors, churches and everyone follows the directive," the constituent told NTV.
The nickname has gained popularity among Kenyans who use it casually to refer to the National Assembly speaker. Wetangula himself adopted it and has always tagged the nickname alongside his social media posts.
An elderly man who claimed to be Wetangula's season further recalled how dedicated Wetangula was to his doves and chicken.
"He loved traditional foods, his farm was full of them. As a young man, he was dedicated to raising doves at home. When he got home from school, he ensured all his birds were present," the classmate recalled.
"If he finds anyone has sold his birds or served one to visitors, he would get upset. He would not eat at all and would read his books and go to school," the resident alleged.
Wetangula was also described as a good footballer, who played the sport from primary school to the University of Nairobi. He was also in the Parliamentary football team where he played in the attacking midfield position - number 10.
"Moses was a class monitor and timekeeper. He was very fluent in English and Maths,' another classmate noted.
"When we were together in primary, he was the class prefect and at that time they were referred to as monitors. Later on, he became the general prefect. In school, he liked playing football, it was his favourite," Dismus Masinde who schooled with Wetangula added.
