By Joab Apollo – Nairobi. :
The enmity between Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, and his deputy William Ruto has for sometime been viewed as a political masterstroke to fool the Opposition into easing political pressure on government.
However, with Kenyatta launching an all-out war against his once trusted lieutenant with whom they were once described as “dynamic duo” it is not wild to think he has thrown the second in command under the bus.
On Friday while on a development tour in Eastern region, Kenyatta took a swipe at the deputy president, sending shivers down the spines of his supporters who have unwaveringly held that he would back the combative Ruto upon his retirement in 2022.
“Kenyans don’t want handouts. They want to be given the ability to fend for themselves.” a tough-talking Kenyatta said in an open reference to Ruto who has held the bull by its horns since 2017, donating money to churches and youths in a well-oiled campaign to succeed Kenyatta.
Not only did Kenyatta tag along former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka in his tour, he also praised them as leaders with the interest of Kenyans at heart.
Odinga has been touted as Kenyatta’s heir apperent following the famous March 2018 handshake with the President, a development which did not sit down well with Ruto. As a result, the deputy president’s allies launched a series of negative campaigns targeting Odinga and Kenyatta.
An infuriated Kenyatta told them off as a group of self-seekers specialising in “kutanga Tanga”, Kiswahili language for roaming.
Despite being isolated and his functions being handed over to the Minister for Interior and Coordination of Government Services, Dr. Fred Matiangi, the deputy president has shown stoicism, blatantly refusing to resign.
Photo: Kenyatta in Ukambani
Photo credit: State House Kenya