Deputy President William Ruto was absent at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday night when President Uhuru Kenyatta left the country for Chinese capital, Beijing, details have emerged.

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Usually, top security officers and the Deputy President accompany the President to the airport whenever he  leaves the country for an official trip. 

Notably, besides the DP, Chief of Defense Forces, Interior Cabinet Secretary, and Inspector of Police are always expected in such events.

Earlier on Tuesday, ODM leader Raila Odinga, a top rival of DP Ruto, had left JKIA for the Chinese capital where he was to be joined by the president. 

With Uhuru closely working with Raila, DP Ruto has openly expressed his frustrations.

"Departing for China to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation where I shall make the case for synergies in infrastructure planning and development by embracing international standards," Raila tweeted.

President Uhuru Kenyatta did not communicate through Presidential Strategic Communication Unit that he had left the country. However, all security officers were present, with a section of Cabinet Secretaries.

But an aide from DP Ruto's office claims that he had travelled out of the country for Easter Holidays. 

According to the aide, the country's second in command arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday night.

“He arrived back in Nairobi on Tuesday night. He was not around, but now he is in charge,” an aide to Ruto said.

Whenever the president leaves the country for an official trip, the DP takes over.

On Wednesday, Ruto visited the late Jonathan Moi's family at Kabimoi in Baringo. Later, he jetted to Kuresoi in Nakuru where he also condoled with Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones who lost her daughter.