Three top government leaders on Wednesday reportedly witnessed Deputy President William Ruto scolding powerful Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho over ongoing 2022 succession politics.
Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Kieni MP Kanini Kega all reportedly witnessed the ugly confrontation.
The two bumped into each other at the airport where they had gone to usher in President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was jetting in from Rwanda after a one day State visit for ICT conference.
Usually, service commanders; Chief of Defense Forces and IG, usher in the president when president, who is the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces jet into the country from a foreign trip.
According to People Daily, Dr Ruto arrived at the airport unexpectedly where he came across Kibicho. For 15 minutes, it's claimed, Ruto demanded to know why Kibicho had instructed County Commissioners to snub his functions.
The DP is said to have raised Turkana issue where the commissioner was not present despite his visit to the place. Routinely, provincial administration officials welcome presidential officials in their respective jurisdictions.
During the dress down, it's said, Ruto warned Kibicho against frustrating his country wide trips, adding that he should keep off his lane.
“Everyone present including the service commanders were taken by surprise. Nobody uttered a word as the lecture by the visibly angry Ruto continued,” said the source.
But DP Spokesman David Mugonyi has denied knowledge of Ruto visiting JKIA. Kanini Kega, the Kieni MP who was reportedly present, has also denied knowledge of the shocking drama.
Mr Kibicho is not a stranger to controversy. Last year, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko accused him of sabotaging his administration. But Kibicho dismissed the allegations, adding that Sonko should carry his own cross.
“They have paranoia, which needs to be cured. Let them deal with their accusations and accusers. Let them carry their own cross,” said Kibicho.