Sources in the archdiocese of Nairobi (Kenya) confirmed to "ACI Africa" that the archbishop emeritus will not be travelling to Rome for health reasons.
On Tuesday, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced that two cardinals would not be able to attend the conclave, but did not want to comment on which ones for reasons of protecting personalities.
It is already known that the other absent cardinal is the Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia, Antonio Canizares Llovera.
Njue's participation was only made possible by a correction to his age.
Until 2023, he was listed in the Annuario Pontificio, the yearbook of the universal church, only with the year of birth 1944.
In 2024, his birthday was corrected to 1 January 1946. Njue will therefore not reach the age limit of 80 for cardinals who are actively eligible to vote until next New Year.
Njue's resignation from office as Archbishop of Nairobi due to his age was accepted by Pope Francis on 4 January 2021, i.e. at the age of around 77 at the time, according to the updated birthday three days after reaching the age limit of 75 at which bishops are required to offer their resignation to the Pope.
Originally, the Bosnian Cardinal Vinko Puljić had also wanted to stay away from the conclave for health reasons.
However, after consulting a doctor, he decided to take part after all.
The 79-year-old is the longest-serving cardinal eligible to vote in the current College of Cardinals. He was already a member of the conclave in 2005 and 2013.
Of the 135 papal electors, 133 are currently taking part in the conclave. Angelo Becciu, who resigned from his rights as cardinal, declared on Tuesday that he would not insist on taking part.