The body language, physical distance, disregard for protocol and absence of a handshake said it all.
The political differences between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto played out publicly on Monday as they paid their respects to former President Mwai Kibaki.
They kept their distance. The President avoided the traditional handshake. They both bowed to each other with clasped hands.
No eye contact, though Ruto smiled broadly.
The President also avoided a handshake with Speakers Justin Muturi (National Assembly), Kenneth Lusaka (Senate), National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya, his Senate counterpart Samuel Poghisio and Senate Majority leader James Orengo.
The parliamentary leadership had lined up alongside Ruto to receive the President.
But the President shook hands warmly with Kibaki’s family, led by his eldest son Jimmy Kibaki.
The third president's body lay in state at the Speaker's Walk Way in Parliament Buildings.
The President viewed the body accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and close members of Kibaki’s family.
Ruto was kept waiting.
The head of state and First Lady were the first to view the body at 10.15am.
After viewing the body, the head of state left Parliament Buildings.
He and Ruto did not speak.
It was the first time Uhuru and Ruto came face to face after the President endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga in February.
The two are again expected to meet and possibly (or not) sit side by side during the funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
Raila has cut short his US trip and will be present.
Over the last few months, Uhuru and his troops have continuously accused Ruto of disrespect and fighting his government from within. His troops have called for his resignation.
On April 4, the President accused Ruto team of hurling abuses at him, virtually at his doorstep.
“They even come to my home place, Ichaweri in Gatundu, to hurl insults at my doorstep but I just look at them. Anyone who thinks insults will give him votes is in for a rude shock,” the President said.
Ruto accuses Uhuru of turning his back on him after he helped propel him to power and claims the government has been captured by private profiteers.
Back to Parliament, Kenyans poured through roads around Parliament as early as 6.30am.
This was long before the gun carriage with Kibaki’s casket made its way to Parliament.
Dignitries present included Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang'i (Interior), Peter Munya (Agriculture), Eugine Wamalwa (Defence), Joe Mucheru (ICT), Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs), Farida Karoney (Lands), George Magoha (Education), Monica Juma (Energy), Keriako Tobiko (Environment) and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho.
Others were Chief Justice Martha Koome, Governors AnnKananu (Nairobi), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Okoth Obado (Migori), Martin Wambora (Embu), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Mwangi wa Iria (Muranga), Josphat Nanok (Turkana) and Amason Kingi (Kilifi), among others.
Top military generals and former military chiefs including immediate former Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe and his predecessors Julius Karangi and Jeremiah Kianga were also present.
Monday was the first day of public viewing; the body will lie in state for three days ahead of Saturday burial.
The national funeral service will be held o Friday at Nyayo National Stadium.
(Edited by V. Graham)
