A video doing rounds on social media shows Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko allegedly snubbing a handshake by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday.
The two were attending the Patel Dam Victims Memorial Service at Solai AIC Church ground in Nakuru County.
In the video, Sonko is seen standing behind the leaders waiting to receive the Head of State at the function.
[caption caption="Mike Sonko"]
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On alighting from his official car, the President is received by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika among other leaders.
However, Sonko is seen standing adamantly a short distance behind the other leaders while crossing his arms.
Uhuru then walks away talking to Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi without Sonko shaking his hand - a gesture that is strictly observed by senior government officers whenever the President is in the vicinity.
However, our sources indicate that Sonko did not snub the President, but apparently, they had flown in for the service aboard Uhuru's helicopter.
As such, there was no need for Sonko to shake the president's hand as is the protocol.
The reports of the snub were fueled by the fact that Sonko has been decrying State House interference with the county affairs.
In particular, Sonko has pointed an accusing finger against the Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho terming him as the man behind the meddling of his county.
A similar scuffle ensued during the National Tree Planting Day where Sonko interjected Deputy President William Ruto in protest after a protocol hitch nearly denied him a chance to address the city residents.
[caption caption="Sonko with Uhuru in a past event"]
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Hours after the Solai event, the Nairobi County boss appointed controversial lawyer Miguna Miguna as his deputy.
Here is the video:
President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at Solai AIC Church ground for the interdenominational #SolaiMemorialService pic.twitter.com/mhYlunYDIK
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 16, 2018
