National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has come under sharp criticism from Kenyans over what has been described by some as lack of etiquette.
Ichung’wah was among leaders who were receiving President William Ruto on June 14, 2024, when alighting a vehicle at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) moments before his departure for Italy.
Other leaders in attendance were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri who customary see the president off at the airport before embarking on foreign trips.
In the footage seen by The Kenya Times, Ruto was first received by DP Gachagua and CDF Kahariri who welcomed him with a handshake.
Ruto reacts to Handshake with Ichung’wah
After greeting CDF Kahariri, Ruto proceeded to greet MP Ichung’wa who had his left hand still in his pocket.
Also Read: “14 Bodyguards”- Ichung’wah Shares Details of Crew That Accompanied Gachagua in KQ Flight
The Head of State is seen prolonging the handshake with the Kikuyu MP while uttering some words to him and pointing at his pocketed hand.
Ichung’wah instantly removes the left hand from his pocket following the gesture from Ruto before the leaders proceeded to the JKIA.
The footage which has since gone viral surfaced on the internet with a majority of Kenyans bashing MP Ichung’wah.
Reactions
A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Robinson Muiru reacted to the footage claiming that the gesture from MP Ichung’wah could be translated to entitlement due to his position in the National Assembly.
Also Read: Mixed Reactions as Gachagua Boards a Commercial Flight
Another user, Samwel Wekesa, reacted saying that the MP was not well mannered while also comparing his manners to that of DP Gachagua.
“He was not taught manners it seems. Why pocket when greeting the president. Riggy G is more well-mannered than him,” reacted Samwel Wekesa.
Also, Jacquline Shibalira echoed Wekesa’s words questioning how the MP could greet the President with his hand in the pocket.
“How does he greet the president with his hands in the pocket. What kind of disrespect?” she questioned.
On the other hand, Kariuki Njuguna reacted to the footage insinuating that Ichung’wah exhibited pride judging from his demeanour, adding that DP Gachagua who has been described as a villager by a section of critics was well mannered.
“They are so proud, and Riggy G can’t entertain that hence the quarrels. Looks like the Villager is better mannered than the Alliance guy,” he said.
Handshake etiquette
Back in 2019, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot was also put under sharp focus after he was captured in a photo greeting then DP Ruto with his hands in the pocket.
He came under sharp focus over what was termed by his fellow leaders as disrespectful behavior.
The senator was also captured greeting Ruto with one hand in the pocket when accompanying other leaders who had paid the then DP a visit at his office in Karen.
Political Science, International Relations & Diplomacy expert, Marko Tormljenovic in his handshake etiquette guidelines notes that firstly, a person with higher rank or seniority above should always be the first to offer their juniors a handshake if he/she wants to.
A person of lower rank should not be the first to offer his hand because initiating a handshake puts a senior towards the uncomfortable situation.
Marko explains that the seniors might not want to shake one’s hand but are indeed forced to do so, since not doing so would seem rude and impolite.
When the senior person offers a handshake, one is advised to make sure they offer a firm and decisive grip.
On the other hand, one is also advised not to be pocketing the other hand and should maintain eye contact.
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