Photos of Deputy President William Ruto and Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at Lee Funeral Home after the death of former President Daniel arap Moi ignited a debate among Kenyans.
Matiang'i and Ruto's debate has been a subject matter since Kenyatta elevated the CS, putting him in charge of the oversight of government programmes in January 2019, a move which many analysts claimed demeaned Ruto who had always identified himself as Uhuru's right-hand man.
When the news of Moi's death broke on Tuesday, February 4, the president was out of the country, which leaves his DP in charge according to the constitution.
Matiang'i, he arrived at the morgue, he was flanked by top military brass among them Chief of Defence General Samson Mwathethe. Police IG Hillary Mutyambai was also in tow. Ruto made his way to Lee Funeral Home later, seemingly a lone ranger with only his security and aides following behind.
Earlier on, Matiangi and Mwathethe condoled with Moi's family at Kabarnet Gardens, Nairobi, where they held the initial burial preparations with the military officials taking over the burial plans.
"The government has now taken over everything. We are still in consultation with them since the whole matter is now a military affair. Government spokesperson Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna will give subsequent briefs," Raymond Moi, Rongai MP, stated.
This was Matiang's second meeting after he and his defence counterpart Monicah Juma met Mwathethe, Mutyambai and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho at State House before they went to Nairobi Hospital where Moi's body was at before being transferred to Lee Funeral Home.
On the other hand, while at Harambee Annex, Ruto announced that Kenyatta had directed Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua to take charge of the State funeral arrangements.
While issuing his condolence message, Ruto, praised Moi for retiring when his term had expired.
"He submitted himself to presidential term limits, graciously entering a dignified retirement. God has been kind to him as he enjoyed many peaceful years outside the presidency of Kenya," Ruto stated, at a press conference he issued alone.
Ruto later visited Moi's family in Kabarnet Gardens, Nairobi, where he had a closed-door session with, among others, his Rift Valley rival Gideon Moi. The two haven't been seeing eye to eye and in early 2018, Gideon reportedly blocked Ruto from visiting Moi in Kabarak.
The move further distanced the two as Ruto's ally, Oscar Sudi would later lash out at Gideon for disrespecting Ruto during the burial of former Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim burial in May 2018.
"We have worked with Senator Moi on several instances. I want to tell him that he is a let down to the Kalenjin community because how can he allow opposition leader Raila Odinga to meet retired President Daniel Moi at his Kabarak home and lockout his brother DP Ruto?” Sudi wondered.
"One thing people should know is that, Matiangi is Uhuru's errand boy while Ruto is our deputy president! Then you don't expect DP to chair the funeral," one Jubilation stated.
"Let's not pretend that we are not seeing Mwathethe behind supper CS Matiang'i while Kimwarer just walking like any other Kenyan. That means Matiangi is in charge of the country in Kenyatta's absentia," Prince Hirram argued.
"Yes. That the DP has inner confidence and humility," Charles wa Wangeci opined.
