The Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting was only attended by one Cabinet Secretary.
The crucial meeting that brought together officers controlling economic and financial strategies was shy of crucial cabinet ministers allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto had invited Treasury CS Ukur Yatani, but Yatani skipped the meeting due to other docket responsibilities abroad.
The other CSs who were invited were Transport CS James Macharia who said he would accompany the President to South Africa.
Others; George Magoha (Education), Peter Munya (Agriculture) were a no-show.
Energy CS Charles Keter, PSs Julius Muia (Treasury) and Julius Korir (Devolution) were the only cabinet officers in attendance.
Nine governors were in attendance; Martin Wambora (Embu), Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia), Stanley Kiptis (Baringo), Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Sospeter Ojamoong (Busia).
During a presser, DP Ruto avoided the media over the absenteeism debate but said the meeting had bore fruit.
As the race to 2022 intensifies, Cabinet Secretaries have seemingly taken sides to protect their political futures.
The cabinet has led the onslaught against DP Ruto, with Treasury CS Ukur Yatani publicly denouncing the bottom up empowerment fund.
CS Munya on the other hand has chastised the DP over the wheelbarrow economics.
Their allegiance to the handshake has raised questions over their ability to carry out functions, as claimed by Ruto’s allies.
