This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
January 13, 2020, marked a significant day in the life of Deputy President William Ruto, as he was blocked from occupying his official residence in Mombasa. The residence, located at the former home of the Coast Provincial Commissioner, had been improved by Ruto's office.
According to sources, President Uhuru Kenyatta's security team was briefed that Ruto was planning to host several delegations at the residence, including one from Taita Taveta County. However, the President's handlers saw Ruto's move as a challenge to his authority, particularly since he had been running the government's affairs in Mombasa since the Christmas festivities.
It is alleged that Ruto did not inform Uhuru about his visit to Mombasa, which further fueled the President's suspicions. The situation took a dramatic turn when Uhuru met with Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, Joe Mucheru, James Macharia, Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, DPP Haji, and DCI George Kinoti in Mombasa.
While Ruto's allies were taken aback by the sudden development, the Deputy President was forced to host the Taita Taveta delegation at his ranch in Taita County. The incident has sparked speculation about Ruto's intentions, with some suggesting that he wanted to coordinate his 2022 presidential and Jubilee party polls at the residence.
As the situation unfolded, Uhuru and Raila Odinga met in Mombasa over the weekend, leading to the gazetting of the extension of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team until June 30, 2020.
