The wedge between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his estranged deputy William Ruto was at play once again yesterday when they attended the 19^th National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park hotel in Nairobi.

The theme of this year’s event, which took place just 74 days before the General Election, was “transition”.

Not even the solemn event, in which the prevailing message was reconciliation, could be a reason for the President and his deputy to share a table and exchange pleasantries as it has been the case in the past.

The President, who in previous prayer breakfasts shared a table with his deputy, Chief Justice and the Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, yesterday sat at a different table.

He shared a table with the CJ Martha Koome and Attorney General Paul Kihara.

Ruto, on the other hand, shared a table with Speakers Ken Lusaka and Justin Muturi, who are both members of his Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

The two Speakers were the hosts and patrons of the prayer breakfast.

While Uhuru and Ruto have in the last three public meetings avoided shaking hands, they, however, shook hands yesterday at the podium as the DP welcomed the President to deliver his speech.

The two have not been in good terms for the better part of their second term. The differences started soon after the Head of State reached a reconciliation deal with his 2017 election archrival, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in March 2018. The peace pact, which  came to be known as the Handshake, was never approved by Ruto.

Value-driven

Raila, who is Ruto’s main rival in the August presidential contest, did not attend yesterday’s event.

The Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate was represented by his running mate and  Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua.

Karua, who was invited to speak by Ruto although she was not on the speakers list, called on politicians to compete on the basis of ideas and not insults.

“Let our actions match our words. None of us is perfect, we pray for God’s grace and strength so that we can be able to lead the nation to value-driven campaigns, value-driven leadership,” Karua said.

Uhuru urged candidates to commit to accept the August election outcome, adding that Kenya should remain united before, during and after the election.

“It is my hope we end up much more united and stronger after the election,” said the Head of State, further wishing all candidates luck in the contest.

“However, remember that there will only be one winner. [Should you lose], move on and live to fight another day,” he said.

Earlier, Ruto had expressed commitment his Kenya Kwanza team will do everything to ensure the elections are peaceful.

“I want to speak on behalf of my team in Kenya Kwanza Alliance that we will do everything possible within our power to ensure the elections are peaceful,” DP said.

He added: “I believe whoever will be elected, it will be the will of God and we will respect the will of God as expressed by the will of the people of Kenya.”

But MPs allied to the two camps, Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, displayed unity as they sang during the prayer meeting.

The MPs’ choir was led by nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura as they sang the Guide me, O thou great Jehovah hymn.

Mwaura is a supporter of Ruto. Behind him was Kieni MP Kanini Kega who supports Raila.