President Uhuru Kenyatta’s arrival at the Kenya Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani on Friday sparked a fresh debate on Deputy President William Ruto’s humiliation within government after a striking protocol breach amid heightened hostilities in Cabinet.
President Kenyatta was received in Manyani by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, in the presence of Deputy President William Ruto in an apparent protocol breach.
The incident came barely a week after a similar incident at State House Nairobi on October 10 where the Head of State was ushered to the podium to address the nation by Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria in the presence of the DP who did not speak at the event.
“At this moment to thank the President who asked us to organize this. We are in your house and I am sure you would want to say something as our host, with all due respect, maybe not following the right protocols but kindly say a word,” the Archbishop said while referring to the protocol breach.
In images shared by the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU), the Head of State is seen alighting from a military helicopter upon which he acknowledges greetings from Matiangi who had been lined up ahead of Ruto, marking a departure from established protocols whenever the President arrives at a venue where the Deputy President is.
A programme seen by Nai Haps indicated that President Kenyatta will be the sole speaker at the event signaling a repeat of the incident at State House Nairobi where he was not accorded an opportunity to usher the Head of State to the podium.
Ruto’s allies Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga were among leaders who reacted to the images.
Members of the National Security Advisory Committee, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho were also part of the team that welcomed the president.
