Deputy President William Ruto Laughs Off Claims of Losing Powers to CS Fred Matiang'i

Deputy President William Ruto has laughed off claims that he lost powers to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i following his appointment to supervise all government projects.

Last month, President Kenyatta appointed Matiang'i as the chairperson of a committee mandated to supervise all government projects, including the big four agenda.

This appointment was largely viewed as a vote of no confidence in Ruto by President Kenyatta, given that he (Ruto) has in the past been traversing the country to launch and inspect government projects.

Speaking during an interview with BBC, Ruto has denied claims that the appointment translated to him being sidelined.

Instead, Ruto says Matiang'i and the new committee reports to him and President Kenyatta.

“Those sideline stories, are stories that have no basis at all. The functions of a deputy president are in the constitution, the president and I agreed on how to make the government more efficient and to deliver. His (Matiang’i) committee is a cabinet committee. That committee reports to the president and myself.”

“How on earth can you talk about sidelining if the same committee ultimately reports to the president and myself?” Ruto poses.

However, his statement contradicts an Executive Order number one of 2019, which states that Matiang'i would report directly to the President in his new role.

“The sub-committee will oversee implementation and monitoring of all development projects started and funded by the national government and should report to the president,” the order reads.