By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
President William Ruto is back in the country. The President has been out for a few days for visits to Italy and Switzerland.
Ruto flew out of the country last week to attend a G7 Summit in Italy before later attending the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland.
After the successful visit, the Head of State returned back early on Monday.
Photos of the President arriving back in the country show that he boarded a Kenya Airways (KQ) plane.
This is unlike his previous visit to the United States of America where he used a private jet – a move that was largely criticized.
Initially, it was reported that the government paid Ksh200 million for the jet but Ruto later said it cost a taxpayer only Ksh10 million after the United Arab Emirates offered him the plane.
On his arrival, the President was received by Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki.
Conspicuously missing was Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. It has almost been a tradition that the second in command welcomes the President whenever he returns from a visit abroad.
Other present are the National Assembly leader of the majority Kimani Ichungwa and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot.
For the last over two years – the DP has always welcomed Ruto whenever he returns from a visit abroad – save for a few occasions.
His latest snub might deepen the ongoing speculation about their relationship.
For the last few days, the DP has been on the receiving end of some of the top Kenya Kwanza politicians perceived to be allied to the Head of State.
Led by National Assembly leader of the majority Kimani Ichungwa, his minority whip counterpart Sylvanus Osoro and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, the Ruto allies have also accused the second in command of blackmail.
But DP Gachagua has maintained his stand to unite the Mount Kenya region warning those opposed to it that he was merely acting as per the discussions happening on the ground.