Light moment after Ichungw'ah greeted Ruto while pocketing

The President was seen gesturing him to unpocket.

In Summary
  • When it was Ichungw'ah's turn, he stretched his right hand to receive the president with a handshake while his left hand remained in the pocket.
  • The President shook his hand and while briefly engaging him, he appeared to gesture to him that his left hand was in the pocket.

President William Ruto on Thursday had to gesture to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah to remove his hand from the pocket while greeting him.

President William Ruto and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungw'ah shaking hands.
President William Ruto and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungw'ah shaking hands.
Image: SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto on Thursday had to gesture to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah to remove his hand from the pocket while greeting him.

In a video seen by the Star, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and  Chief of Defences Charles Kahariri queued to receive the President at the airport as he was leaving the country for Italy.

When he arrived, Gachagua went ahead to greet him first, before Chief of Defences Charles Kahariri shook his hand.

Ichung'wah who was part of Ruto's entourage while arriving at the airport was seen running quickly to join the queue as the deputy president was greeting the president.

When it was Ichungw'ah's turn, he stretched his right hand to receive the president with a handshake while his left hand remained in the pocket.

The President shook his hand and while briefly engaging him, he appeared to gesture to him that his left hand was in the pocket.

Appearing shocked, the majority leader quickly removed his left hand from his pocket.

The two leaders then briefly exchanged words as they were seen laughing after the incident.

Etiquette dictates that when greeting someone perceived as respectable, one is expected to do so without his or her other hand in the pocket. 

While greeting someone respectfully, he or she should be addressed formally while maintaining eye contact without being too intense, offering a firm handshake, and speaking clearly and confidently.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star