Deputy President William Ruto was a no show at an event where his boss Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, and a host of other cabinet secretaries received the COVID-19 vaccination jab.
The president was accompanied by super cabinet secretary Fred Matian’gi and Mutahi Kagwe as well as Racheal Omamo in the Friday, March 26 event at State House Nairobi.
“The President and the First Lady took Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine alongside several senior state and government officials among them cabinet secretaries Mutahi Kagwe, Fred Matiang’i and Raychelle Omamo.” Said State House through social media.
However, unlike before Wiliam Ruto was missing from the event aimed at creating awareness to the public amidst fear of side effects from the vaccine.
Besides, as deputy president, many would expect him to join his boss for such an important activity- considering the fact Ruto recently confirmed he is yet to recived the vaccine.
It was yet another testimony of the fast deteriorating relationship between Uhuru and Ruto considering the great chemistry and camaraderie they displayed in the run up to 2013 and 2017 General Election.
Their silent fallout has played out in Ruto missing from key government or State House events he would ordinarily be part of.
Their fallout is usually aptly captured by their strong allies who never have kind words for each other.
Jubilee vice-chairman David Murathe is perceived to represent Uhuru’s views while Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen represents the views of Ruto.
Murkoment made a sarcastic social media post, a day after the vaccination event which Ruto missed.
It comes at a time Uhuru’s Jubilee party is exploring options and avenues to kick William Ruto from the party’s deputy leader position.
David Murathe has led other party officials in accusing Ruto of abandoning Jubilee ideals and associating himself with another party- United Democratic party- among other claims.
The move has drawn criticism from Ruto’s allies who claim the former Eldoret North MP’s position in Jubilee is protected by the party constitution which states the deputy president automatically becomes the deputy party leader.
