Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua was missing in action as President William Ruto landed back into the country from his trip.
President Ruto arrived in Kenya on Monday, June 17, after representing Africa and Kenya at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, and participating in peace talks on Ukraine in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.
In photos seen by The Kenya Times, DP Gachagua was not among the leaders who welcomed the president at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Among the leaders who received President Ruto were Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki and PS Raymond Omollo.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his Senate counterpart Aoron Cheruiyot were also present.
The notable leaders were State House comptroller Josphat Nanok, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Chairperson Caleb Kositany.
Additionally, President Ruto jetted back using the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), flight.
This comes after questions were raised regarding the cost of the private jet he used to travel to and from the United States (US) during his state visit.
He traveled to Italy and later to Switzerland using unidentified means before returning to Kenya.
In the photos, the president and his team are seen walking out of the plane onto the red carpet where the leaders named were waiting for him.
He shakes their hands, shares some light moments with them, and then proceeds to walk away from the plane.
Also Read: Governor Explains How Ruto is Setting Up Gachagua for Failure
UDA Wrangles
Gachagua’s absence comes at a time when he has claimed that a section of Ruto’s allies is out to undermine his position and role in government.
The DP’s allies led by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga have accused President Ruto of taking a back seat and allowing Kenya Kwanza politicians mistreat Gachagua.
Speaking on Sunday, June 16, Kahiga called out the President Ruto to take a stand and protect the office of his deputy.
The governor said Gachagua should be allowed to perform his roles and deputize the president without disruptions and ill feelings.
“The problem lies in that the president is not taking charge. He is the president and whoever is going through these trouble is his Deputy. It’s upon him to defend that office,” he said.
Also Read: MP Fires at Gachagua on Shared Podium, Tells Him to Stop Lying
Gachagua Attacks Ruto’s Allies
Speaking on June 15, Gachagua said Ruto’s allies including CSs, PSs, personal assistants and bloggers are trying to control and dictate him.
He clarified that he only answers to President Ruto and the people of Kenya who elected him.
“There are some people who are friends with the president who want to be my boss. Just because you are the President’s friend you want to become my boss. His PAs want to order me on how to work. Is that Possible? Even his bloggers want to tell me what to do,” Gachagua said.
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