Why Babu Owino is unimpressed by Matiang'i's laugh

A collage of Babu Owino, DP Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i, Najib Balala and President William Ruto.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was unimpressed by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i's body language during a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Tuesday.

Photos that went viral showed Matiang'i bursting out in laughter during a light moment with the President, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Tourism CS Najib Balala, ICT CS Joe Mucheru and Energy CS Monica Juma at State House.

Babu took to social media to accuse the jovial-looking CS of being a 'con'. A fortnight ago the lawmaker also took issue with former President Uhuru Kenyatta who welcomed Ruto to State House prior to handing over power.

At the time, Babu claimed Uhuru had 'fulfilled his promise to Ruto', alleging the Azimio brigade had been taken for a ride in the run-up to the elections.

"Thank you Uhuru Kenyatta for keeping your word to Ruto. Your body language tells it all. It was a long con. We will still reach where we are going..." he wrote.

Matiang'i, on his part, has kept a low profile since the conclusion of the election and even wrote a farewell letter to Kenyans looking back at the milestones he achieved in the previous regime.

He said he was leaving the Ministry of Interior with his head held high as having performed his duties diligently.

"As my tour of duty comes to an end. I exult in the pride of knowing that we have not only honoured expectations but exceeded them by important and evident milestones.

"History will vindicate our legacy. This has been made possible by working closely with you and other highly experienced, competent, and dedicated colleagues in the Public Service," read the letter in part.

Further, the outgoing CS said he never tried to interfere with the August election, contrary to what was being peddled.

He urged all Kenyans to support President Ruto's administration, calling for professionalism and consistency across all sectors.

"The hallmark of our sector is consistent service and loyalty to the government of the day. As a new administration takes office, may you continue with the same principles, as you continue to deliver quality services to our citizens," he said.