[Deputy President William Ruto in a past event. He has denied claims that he was within the country when Uhuru nominated few ministers to cabinet. Photo/Standard]
Deputy President William Ruto has sharply declined reports that he was within the Harambee House on Friday when President Uhuru Kenyatta announced nine nominees to cabinet.
With suspected differences between the duo, the Sunday Nation reported, Ruto had snubbed the function due to differences on some proposed nominees to cabinet.
"He is in the country. That's what I can say for now. I know what you people want but you won't get it," Ruto's Director of Communication David Mugonyi was quoted by the Sunday Nation.
Also, the paper claimed that Uhuru may have not notified Ruto of the changes over alleged sharp differences.
But on a fierce exchange with the author of the article, Justus Wanga, Mugonyi, who also doubles as Ruto's spokesman, denied claims that the country's second in command was within the country.
"It is wrong to fabricate stories. Ruto has not been in the country since December 20 and only returned after the nominations to cabinet," he said, threatening to have the journalist sacked.
To stamp his authority ahead of 2022, it is believed, Ruto wants more say in government through influential appointments.