This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
Deputy President William Ruto has clarified his awkward handshake with Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, stating that they are friends despite the incident in December 2019.
Speaking at the installation of Phillip Muia as Machakos area Bishop at the Africa Inland Church Bomani in Machakos Town, Ruto revealed that Mutua had told him that he was in Nakuru attending the World Rally Championship and it was unfortunate that they could not be together in the function.
"Unajua Mutua ni rafiki yangu, saa zingine nikimsalamia analalamika. Lakini ni rafiki yangu," Ruto expressed to the congregation.
Recalling the incident, Ruto stated that he had brushed off the allegations stating that his gesture was misunderstood and had no bad intentions with the governor.
"Unajua kama wewe ni mtu hustler,unauza kuku unafanya nini nini.Sasa ukisalaia mtu pengine unapitisha kiwango, katika ile kuhustle. (Once you are a hustler, especially in the chicken selling business, one tends to gain a firm grip),"the DP explained.
He also asked for forgiveness from the congregation for any misunderstanding that may have arisen from the incident.
On December 11, 2019, Mutua had alleged that Ruto had threatened him at State House during a banquet in honour of visiting Barbados Prime Minister, saying that he would hit back at him in response to Mutua's attacks.
However, Ruto denied the allegations, stating that his gesture was misunderstood and had no bad intentions with the governor.
