One seen as inseparable twins, Deputy President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i may never be an item again if the current political set up is anything to go by.
After divisive 2017 polls, Matiang'i was endorsed by several Gusii MPs to deputise Ruto and the two made a couple of trips to Gusii and Nyamira Counties to popularise their bid.
But the handshake between Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta dismantled their friendship after Matiang'i chose to work with Uhuru, the man he pays allegiance to.
"The handshake separated them. DP Ruto opposed it but Matiang'i had no alternative. He had to obey his master and that's basically what happened.
"Raila dismembered the relationship through handshake. Matiang'i had to stop going to Ruto's rallies as ordered by the president. It was just a presidential directive that nailed the friendship," said Rigoma MCA Ben Sironga, a Jubilee operative.
In Ruto's massive eleven trips to Kisii and Nyamira last year after the handshake, Matiang'i never showed up. In some instances, he was forced to hold separate functions in the region despite Ruto's concurrent presence.
In December, news about their deteriorating relationship exploded in the mainstream media, with Matiang'i accusing the DP of pushing for Police uniform tender in interior ministry.
"Let us just stand with the truth. No amount of intimidation will bring me down. The uniforms will be done by NYS, period. Just forget about it," he indirectly told Ruto.
With Matiang'i now working closely with Uhuru and Raila, he's expected to host the duo in January 23rd when they visit Kisii and Nyamira for two days in the spirit of the handshake.
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