Baringo Senator Gideon Moi left his late brother Jonathan Moi's Kabimoi home 30 minutes to the arrival of Deputy President William Ruto, it has now emerged.
The two have been having a cold relationship, informed by their 2022 presidential bid and rivalry over Rift Valley dominance. Last year in May, Gideon was accused by DP Ruto's allies of allegedly blocking him from seeing octogenarian Daniel Moi at Kabarak farm.
And Wednesday's events could a an indication of bitter rivalry between the duo even at the time of death, given that the security details of the DP had arrived at Kabimoi by the time of Gideon's departure. Ruto arrived at 3:40pm.
Early this week, the family of Moi through spokesman Lee Njiru, hinted that the patriarch, Mzee Daniel Moi, would be unable to receive mourners. Only President Uhuru Kenyatta has been pictured with him.
"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 condolence. This inevitable stand does not in any way lessen our gratitude dear friends. Please understand us," the statement said.
Dr Ruto described Jonathan Moi as an industrious person who worked diligently throughout his safari rally career. He also asked locals to consider going for early screening for cancer to avoid deaths.
"We need to educate our people on the importance of visiting hospitals for cancer screening because if detected in the early stages, it can be successfully treated," the DP said.
Later, a photo of Gideon Moi in the company of Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and Moiben MP Silas Tiren at Kabarak surfaced on social media. The two were captured having light talks in an open field.
Dr Ruto, who held a closed-door meeting with the family of Jonathan, left for Kuresoi in Nakuru County where he condoled with the family of Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones who lost her daughter, Vicky Kones.