There was drama at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last Thursday during President Uhuru Kenyatta's arrival from Tokyo, Japan. As per the norm, Deputy President William Ruto led a group of senior government officials in receiving the head of state.
Dr Ruto was in the company of Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, General Samson Mwathethe, military service commanders, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai official among others.
As usual, photographers took pictures of the leaders greeting and shaking each other's hands. However, the photographers were later ordered to delete the photos before Kenyatta left JKIA.
Presidential escort unit commander Josephat Kirimi further warned the photographers against leaking any of the photos as reported by the Standard. "They were given a stern warning that should any pictures leak, they will be held personally liable,” a reliable source said as quoted by the Standard.
The incident elicited mixed reactions as it is not common in events attended by the head of state. The photos will usually be shared to update Kenyans but things this time were so different.
It is however suspected that the presence of governor Sang compelled the president to order his handlers to take the step. Sang is facing court charges against abuse of office where he is being accused of inciting and leading his residents in demolishing the public property.
For this reason, the president would not have liked to be seen associating himself with anyone facing court charges as suggested by the source.
"He has told his handlers his movements are not supposed to be out there unless he authorises the same. Whatever happened there was expected because, to some of us, we had not expected the picture session,” the source added.
The Statehouse spokesperson Kanze Dena, however, refused to comment on the matter.