President Uhuru Kenyatta's differences with his Deputy William Ruto played out at the burial of Reverend Peter Kania on Thursday, July 30.
Uhuru picked Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to read out his condolence message to the family despite Ruto being in attendance at the funeral.
The obvious choice to convey the President's message would be his Deputy who assumes some of his functions in his absence.
This becomes the latest display of differences to play out in public with Uhuru recently picking Ruto's perceived rival Baringo Senator Gideon Moi to represent him in the inauguration of Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera.
During Ruto's speech at the late Kania's burial, he acknowledged that the President's speech had already been read as he wound up.
"I want to finish because I know the President's message was already read, I'll finalise by saying all Kenyans should know that it is our own responsibility to deal with the challenge we have," he noted.
After delivering his own message of condolence to the family of Rev. Kania, CS Mutahi Kagwe proceeded to read the President's speech.
"My family and I are greatly saddened by the passing on of the servant of God at this crucial moment when many in our society require his services.
"Rev. Kariuki was a respected Minister of the gospel who served the PCEA Church and the Christian faith in the country with zeal and utmost commitment," read part of the President's speech.
Uhuru also lauded Kania's contribution to the development of Christian faith and in particular growth of the PCEA church in the country during his tenure as the Secretary-General.
Kania's Adopt a Family Initiative was also highlighted by the President where the PCEA faithful helped feed over 30,000 families throughout East Africa in the month of April and May 2020.
