Ruto's behavior that triggered Uhuru's lunch meeting

Tony Mukere

March 27, 2019 11:23 AM

State House insiders speak

Ruto's behavior that triggered Uhuru's lunch meeting

President Uhuru Kenyatta's rare visit to Deputy President William Ruto's office may have been triggered by the DP's suspected boycott of events presided over by the head of state.

Sources said President Kenyatta decided to call Ruto and arrange for an urgent lunch meeting after the DP failed to attend the swearing in ceremony for Education CS Prof George Magoha which was held at State House.

It was the first time that the DP had skipped a swearing in ceremony involving a senior government official.

Ruto also failed to show up at the KICC where President Kenyatta opened the 124th session of the International Coffee Council.

The Standard quoted sources from State House indicating that the head of state was concerned that the DP may have been boycotting his events.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta with DP Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

Uhuru, Ruto Lunch dates

Curiously, it was the third time that the President had publicised a lunch meeting with his deputy during times of perceived political wrangles.

In November, the President had an impromptu lunch at Ruto's Karen residence amid concerns from the DP's allies over ODM Leader Raila Odinga's cordial relationship with Kenyatta.

In January, the President hosted Ruto at a publicised lunch at Barka Cafe in Old Town Mombasa, a day after making the famous Executive Number one of 2019 which gave Interior CS Fred Matiang'i supervisory powers over other members of Cabinet.

Like in all the three meetings, the head of state and his deputy discussed the need for unity in Jubilee, with Kenyatta assuring Ruto not to be concerned about Odinga's closeness with government.

Tony Mukere