While his remarks at Kwale on Monday may have been just part of his political jokes, a section of internet users have descended on Deputy President William Ruto in what they call 'racist' attack.
At a function which was attended by several coastal leaders, speaking in Swahili, Ruto seemed to cheer the crowd after using innate feature of Chinese community to refer to a contractor.
"Hii barabara kutoka hapa Matuga hadi Vanga itatengenezwa chini ya miezi thelathini na sita. Huyu mtu mwenye macho kidogo, yaani huyu Chinese nimeongea na yeye akamilishe haraka."
It loosely translates to: "The road between Matuga and Vanga will be constrcuted within 36 months. I have spoken with this man with small eyes, the Chinese and he will do that."
And with various social media users taking Ruto head-on, a section of leaders have since come to his defense.
"We should differentiate serious issues from political jokes. There is nothing wrong the DP did. He just humbly referred to a Chinese man using their innate characteristics," said George Mosiori, a nominated MCA in Nyamira.
Jubilee youth leader Brain Mamboleo added: "Those picking such jokes to make political capital out of them should stop. We are aware of their secret schemes.'
In the recent weeks, Ruto has been mobilising for support in regions perceived to be strobgholds of Raila Odinga.
At the Coast, the DP received a major boost when a host of ODM legislators backed his 2022 presidential bid.