Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua amused attendees at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday by recounting the ‘pressure’ that President William Ruto put on Kenyan men during his State Visit to the United States (U.S).
The first in command was on a four-day visit where he met his colleague Joe Biden and other officials, before signing several bilateral agreements
Gachagua stated that during the tour, Ruto held First Lady Rachel Ruto’s hand everywhere he walked, which prompted Kenyan ladies to demand the same.
The DP stated that his wife, Pastor Dorcas, urged that he mimic the President.
“Allow me as a truthful man to tell you the truth. All Kenyans were monitoring you. There was something you did that created problems for the men.
“Our spouses were demanding that we emulate the President and hold their hands wherever they go,” Gachagua added.
He went on to explain that Pastor Dorcas insisted on holding hands even when they were inside the house and walking outside.
The Deputy President joked that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi faced a similar situation.
Gachagua, on the other hand, stated that since his return to Kenya, President Ruto has corrected the situation and no longer holds the First Lady’s hand.
He stated the burden has eased because he walked to the National Prayer Breakfast without holding the first lady’s hand.
“To Pastor Dorcas, all is not lost, when we go to the US, I will hold your hand, but when we come back let us continue with our lives,” stated Gachagua.
The DP went on to joke about Ruto being summoned before the “Men’s Conference” to give an explanation for his behavior.
Ruto clutching Mama Rachel’s hand during the state visit was one of the most notable moments by Kenyans, with some critics faulting him for going against the African culture.
