A supposed breach of protocol or a planned swift move to block Deputy President William Ruto from traversing across the country may have been unleashed on Thursday at Nyeri.
Last week, several MPs allied to DP Ruto had their security withdrawn even as the state maintained that it was part of the ongoing redeployment 'which can affect anybody' according to interior Minister Fred Matiang'i.
At Nyeri where he attended a function in African Pentacoastal Church, Deputy President William Ruto had to be ushered in by area leaders led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, with police officers and provincial administration giving the function a wide berth.
“As Jubilee, we shall vigorously defend the unity and focus of our party, nation because that’s the right thing to do for our nation. Let’s stop unnecessary noises and serve Kenyans,” argued Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah.
His Tetu counterpart James Gichuhi added: “President Kenyatta and the Deputy President worked hard to ensure the party was reelected in 2017 despite challenges and Opposition going to court to block our win. The same unity should continue for the betterment of our party and Kenyans."
A state officer like Dr Ruto would always have County Commissioner, Deputy County Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioner, chiefs and police officers ushering him in and even giving security to his function.
The government is yet to issue any statement with regard to the same. But Dr Ruto has been having a cold war with Dr Matiang'i along with Interior PS Karanja Kibicho, who is accused of running campaigns against the country's DP over 2022 succession politics.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta rubbished Dr Ruto's claims that Raila Odinga is breaking Jubilee, insisting that those peddling the narrative are enemies of progress. He also said Mr Odinga and him have no business in wrecking parties.
The county security team which organises such trips is headed by County Commissioner and County Police Commander. They usually parade their teams when the top government official arrives, hang around until the function is complete. Dr Ruto stayed off from politics and focused his message on unity and cohesiveness.