As the rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i continues to unravel, a video of the former asking ODM leader, Raila Odinga, to stop complaining about Matiangi’s conduct has gone viral on social media.
In the clip recorded around the 2017 General Election, Ruto is seen addressing a crowd, alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta, and bashing Odinga for interfering with Matiang’i’s work, which at the time, was to ensure a peaceful electioneering period.
This was in the wake of Matiang’i unleashing security officers on ODM supporters, who time and again, had threatened the country’s peaceful status, before and after the disputed poll.
“Mheshimiwa former Prime Minister anashindana na Uhuru Kenyatta, awachane na Matiang’i (the former Prime Minister is in competition with Uhuru Kenyatta, not Matiang’i),” Ruto tells his charged audience.
“Wawachane na askari wetu wafanye kazi zao (Let them allow our security forces to perform their duties),” Ruto added, speaking at Nyamira, Matiang’i’s backyard.
While serving as a PM @RailaOdinga decried on how top government officials were “ mistreating” him. He was mocked. When @CoalitionNASAKe reprimanded @FredMatiangi , Ruto defended him. Today , Ruto is complaining about madharau & bashing Dr. Matiangi. Karma ? pic.twitter.com/Ei8126pg0N
— Rein (@Asamoh_) December 2, 2019
In a twist of events, it is now the DP’s turn to feel the tough-talking CS’s heat.
The friction between the two emerged shortly after the West Pokot landslide tragedy when top government officials paid courtesy calls to affected residents.
One of those who had intended to visit the county was Matiang’i, but he was “unable” to get to the area, citing bad weather which, even his military chopper, apparently could not get through.
Ruto was, on the other hand, able to get to the affected villages without a hitch, setting off chatter that Matiang’i might have cancelled his trip to the tragedy struck area when he learnt Ruto was also en route.
Over the past week, the DP’s allies have come out guns blazing at Matiang’i, over what they term as him demeaning Ruto.
According to claims by Ruto allied Team Tangatanga, Matiang’i was responsible for a breach of protocol during the BBI report launch Tuesday, which saw Ruto speak before Odinga, despite him being second in command of the country.
Earlier, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot had accused Matiang’i of plotting for a Ruto ouster; claims that the latter vehemently denied.