Third Way Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has defended President Uhuru Kenyatta over his two weeks of silence and absence from the public eye.
Uhuru has kept a low profile since his return from China two weeks ago, a decision that has been questioned by Kenyans and politicians, only to reappear on Monday.
Aukot who lost to him in the October 26 presidential re-run now says that Uhuru had every right to go silent for some days, judging by the nature of his work.
Speaking on Milele FM's Kivumbi show on Tuesday morning, he admitted being personally worried about the whereabouts of the head of state but noted that his actions are justifiable.
"Hata mimi nimekuwa nikimuulizia. Hata hivyo, si vibaya kuchukua likizo kidogo maana anashughulikia nchi nzima (I have also been asking for him. However, it's not wrong to take a leave as he is serving an entire nation)," he said.
"Hata wafanyikazi huchukua likizo kidogo (even workers do take a short break), a man must retreat at some point," he added.
Uhuru went silent after attending the China Road and Belt forum in Beijing alongside ODM leader Raila Odinga who has, however, remained active after his return.
Kenyans on social media have linked Uhuru's silence to initial claims that he and Raila failed to secure a Chinese loan for the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu.
However, he on Monday signed the 2018 Health Law (Amendment) Bill and the Assumption of the Office of the County Governor Bills at his Harambee House office.