Chatter as Matiang’i receives Uhuru in presence of DP Ruto at Manyani cabinet retreat
There was chatter on Friday following what was seen as a protocol breach when President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived at the Manyani Airstrip to chair a cabinet retreat.
The president was always received by his deputy William Ruto whenever they are attending the same function, but this time that was not the case.
President Kenyatta, who is chairing a Cabinet meeting at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, was instead received by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i instead of his deputy Ruto who was present and watched from a distance.
The Head of State then bowed a greeting to DP Ruto who was waiting a few steps away as the CS followed closely behind.
His seeming sidelining did not go down well with some of his allies, including Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who took to social media to respond.
“The Deputy President Fred Matiangi receiving the President thereafter introduce other Cabinet members. Those of us who didn’t witness the last days of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta ‘will see things’ in the next 22 months,” he tweeted.
The Deputy President Fred Matiangi receiving the President thereafter introduce other Cabinet members. 😂😂😂Those of us who didn’t witness the last days of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta ‘will see things’ in the next 22 months. pic.twitter.com/WaaODjwVEo
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) October 16, 2020
Nominated MP Millicent Omanga also joined in saying that the breach reminds Kenyans of the old days during the presidency of the late Daniel arap Moi.
“This reminds me how Moi was frustrated as vice president by people who didn’t want him to ascend to the throne. The rest is history,” she shared.
This reminds me how Moi was frustrated as vice president by people who didn't want him to ascend to the throne. The rest is history. pic.twitter.com/FheIDPa4s3
— Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) October 16, 2020
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.
At the retreat, the president is expected to receive progress reports of several national security sector technology projects and preside over an innovation exhibition by young Kenyan techies.
Here is how a section of Kenyans reacted after the CS welcomed the president instead of his deputy.
Dear matiangi
During jomo kenyatta presidency,
Mungai, an all powerful police commandant, enjoyed humiliating Moi who was a toothless vice president
He slapped Moi not once but twice.
Moi became president and mungai flew to exile where he begged for forgiveness like a baby…
— Silvia Wangeci (@Silvia_Wangeci) October 16, 2020
Somebody tell matiangi it will end in premium tears ..greed for power ?
— Bonnie (@rotichbonnie) October 16, 2020
Let matiangi welcome the president during mashujaa day ndio tujue he is the second in command,
— Defiant Reagan (@PkosgeyRawnald) October 16, 2020
Wait.. Isn't the DP standing where Matiangi should be standing? ?
— Aquino. K. (@Saphane3) October 16, 2020
Yani matiangi ndio anakaribisha president instead of dp. This embarrassment has limit. Days are coming pic.twitter.com/D6O6SLfLfE
— Hellen (@hellenjeriKe) October 16, 2020
The order and protocol of receiving the President Kumbe it changed long ago.
Matiangi is the second in command. pic.twitter.com/X5PEt6IHgN— Tunen Titus (@TunenKe) October 16, 2020
Is Uhuru grooming super CS Fred Okengo Matiangi as the next big thing in our political circles? @MoriangoJr @ayogo_do @Kipchumba786 pic.twitter.com/dd3nXWBSSB
— Abdirizack Maalim Ali Hassan (@Abdirizaqhassa6) October 16, 2020