Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday visited in person Jonathan Moi's home in Kabimoi village, Koibatek to convey his condolences, although he did not pass by the latter's father's home in Kabarak.
Mr Moi, 64, who was the eldest son of retired President Daniel Moi, died on Saturday at Nakuru with the family saying that he'd been struggling with cancer.
A statement issued by family spokesman Lee Njiru said that the former president would be unable to receive mourners, although he did not disclose the reasons. However, on Monday Moi met President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The family, with heavy hearts, wishes to inform all our friends that our patriarch Mzee Moi may not be able to personally receive those wishing to offer their condolences," Njiru said in a statement on Sunday.
Deputy President William Ruto, who has been having a hot and cold relationship with the Moi's mourned Jonathan as a great man, who loved everyone. He also lauded his contributions to the country in motor sport.
"Saddened by the passing on of Jonathan Toroitich, son of former President Moi. Jonathan made his name as an enthusiastic, competitive and masterful rally driver. He was sociable, affable and loved a good laugh. Jonathan treasured family, friendships and committed himself to bettering the lives of others. Rest In Peace," Ruto wrote.
Photos of DP at Kabimoi surfaced on social media on Wednesday even though he was yet to issue any statement. Few mourners gathered by his side and was privileged to address the media.
The DP was in the company of Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet and Soy MP Caleb Kositany. Last year, Ruto was reportedly denied entry to Mzee Moi's Kabarak home.
Jonathan Moi contested Eldama Ravine parliamentary seat unsuccessfully in 2002. He retired from Safari rally in 1997. It's not clear why Ruto snubbed Kabarak, the home of Mzee Moi and instead chose to visit Jonathan's home.
A frustrated Ruto was kept waiting to see Moi for several hours before being turned away. Despite his latest cold relationship with Moi's, Ruto has the former president to thank for his rise in politics. He was first recruited to the powerful YK92 group which advocated for Moi's reelection.
Given his seniority in government, it was expected that Ruto would have conveyed condolences at the elder Moi's farm in Kabarak. His boss President Uhuru Kenyatta, paid courtesy call to Moi's in Kabarak. It's not clear whether Ruto 'obeyed' Mzee Moi wishes or was declined entry in Kabarak. He is yet to meet Moi in as many months.
With the family strictly saying Jonathan's funeral will be private, focus my shift on the DP with people being keen whether or not he will attend. Ruto and Gideon Moi clashed in President Uhuru Kenyatta's presence during the burial of Mark Too in Kapsaret in 2017.
Moi's younger son Gideon, has been at loggerheads with the DP for several years now. Already, he has declared presidential ambitions in 2022. On Monday, he received Uhuru at Kabarak and the two get along well.