Moment when President Ruto shook hands with his ‘sworn enemy’ Matiang’i
For the longest time, in the run up to last month’s General Election, then Deputy President William Ruto and outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i did not see eye to eye.
Their contempt for each other was the worst kept secret and oftentimes they would trade unpleasant words in public. At the time, Dr Matiang’i had taken the cue from his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta and joined Raila Odinga’s campaign team.
Dr Ruto went on to emerge victorious and for the first few days of his presidency, Dr Matiang’i has found himself answering to the same man he fought so hard against during the campaigns.
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On Tuesday, Dr Matiang’i was among the outgoing Cabinet Secretaries who met President Ruto at State House, Nairobi, in what is most likely their very last cabinet meeting.
During the meeting, President Ruto and Dr Matiang’i not only shook hands warmly but also shared a good laugh.
Also present during the cabinet meeting, which was chaired by President Ruto, were other “Ruto-unfriendly” Cabinet Secretaries, including Peter Munya (Agriculture) and Joe Mucheru (ICT).
During the campaigns, Mr Munya was reported to have been assured by Azimio leader Raila Odinga of his position in the event the coalition emerged victorious.
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During Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Mr Munya also came face to face with Deputy President Rigathi Gachgua even after being a no show when the latter recently flagged off supply of cheaper fertilisers.
Mr Mucheru, another member of President Kenyatta’s kitchen cabinet, had also openly fought Dr Ruto during the campaigns going as far as pledging to ensure that the votes of Mr Odinga were safeguarded.
Environment Cabninet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, who once referred to Dr Ruto as a mere clerk of the President, was also present, alongside Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, who similarly clashed with Dr Ruto during the campaigns.
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