Coastal politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday did not show up at Mombasa International Airport to receive him, only leaving the the task to Nyali MP Mohammed Ali.
Dr Ruto landed at Mombasa International Airport aboard Kenya Air Force plane accompanied by his wife Rachael Ruto. The two attended Mashujaa Day celebrations.
At the airport, only Ali turned up, with Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya no where within the vicinity of the airport.
The DP has earmarked coastal region as a tossup. Since 2018, he has made numerous trips in a bid to sway the region in his favour ahead of 2022.
Of all the coastal politicians, only Jumwa and Ali have remained steady in his camp, with some developing a cold feet for unknown reasons.
Jumwa and Mvurya showed up at the function which was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa.
The DP said Kenya has undergone huge transformations under President Kenyatta’s administration.
“For seven years, we have seen tremendous investment in infrastructure, built the Standard Gauge Railway, roads and connected millions to electricity," the DP said.
"You are a hero as well because you have led this great transformation of our country,” he told Mr Kenyatta.
Uhuru said government’s commitment to greater fidelity to principles, values and aspirations that informed the struggle for independence and the development that followed.
“We commit to providing each and every Kenyan with an enabling environment to be all that they can be, and to bring out the Shujaa in each and every Kenyan."