Deputy President William Ruto Holds Eight-Hour Secret Meeting with Close Confidants over Matiang'i Promotion

Deputy President William Ruto reportedly held an eight-hour secret meeting at his Karen home on Thursday after President Kenyatta jetted out of the country to attend the inauguration of new DRC Congo President Felix Tshisekedi.

The Daily Nation reports that the meeting kicked off at 2 pm and ended at about 10 pm when Ruto rushed to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to receive Kenyatta.

Sources privy to the meeting told the publication that the recent appointment of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to supervise all government projects was the main agenda.

In his newly powerful position, Matiang'i will be in charge of the implementation of all government programs and reports directly to the President, a move that has allegedly angered leaders allied to Ruto.

The allies feel that Ruto, who is the principal assistant of the President, was overlooked in the decision. They say the move is meant to humiliate Ruto, who has been traversing the country commissioning and supervising projects on behalf of the president.

The meeting was attended by Ruto's confidants including Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, his National Assembly counterpart Aden Duale, Majority Whip Ben Washiali, Deputy Senate Speaker Kithure Kindiki, and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang. Also present were three Cabinet Secretaries.

National Assembly Majority Whip Ben Washiali confirmed the meeting happened but refused to disclose what was discussed.

“We met at the DP's place on Thursday evening and it is not the first time we were meeting there. We do that regularly. But I cannot give you the details of what transpired during the meeting because that is the preserve of the DP's communications team,” Washiali says.