Reports from Eldoret indicate that three diplomatic officials from British High Commission were kicked out of a local hotel in Deputy President William Ruto’s Uasin Gishu County. The three diplomats were meeting a number of civil society groups at Sirikwa Hotel in Eldoret Town.
A furious Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County Daniel Chemmo disrupted the meeting accusing the British officials of undermining the county government and their leadership. Eldoret was one of the epicenters of 2007 post-poll violence.
“How can you come here without having the courtesy of notifying the county government of your presence and purpose of your visit as diplomatic protocol demands?†the governor demanded to know.
The three officials included the High Commission’s Second Secretary in charge of Political Affairs, the Director of Political Affairs and a third embassy official.
The Deputy Governor claimed the officials were there to discuss the ongoing cases of Deputy President William Ruto as well as the continuing haggling over the trial of President Kenyatta which is the subject of an amendment item at the Hague Assembly of State Parties ending today.
It is not known whether the Deputy President had warned the county government of welcoming European diplomats in his backyard.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago is yet to comment on the diplomatic scuffle which will in deed become a big issue in the days ahead.