This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
October 4, 2019, marked a significant day for Deputy President William Ruto as he held a major function in Meru town. However, the event was marred by the absence of top government leaders, including Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his deputy governor Titus Ntuchui.
The two officials skipped Ruto's first stop at the Meru Level Five Hospital, a facility under the devolved unit, without offering any apologies or explanations.
According to reports, the junior official who was forced to introduce Ruto in absentia of the top Meru County leaders condemned the tendency of government leaders boycotting crucial events in their respective counties without bothering to send an apology or explain the reason for not attending.
DP Ruto has been facing this challenge repeatedly, with the latest incident occurring at the homecoming party of the nominated MP Halima Mucheke at the Meru polytechnic grounds.
The trend of snubbing Ruto has raised concerns about the growing rift between the Deputy President and top government leaders.
