This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, a Twitter post by Deputy President William Ruto sparked a controversy that led to a public spat between him and Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju.
The post was in response to a Sunday Nation headline story titled 'Tuju's new role in Raila Kitchen Cabinet', which claimed Tuju had assumed new duties in ODM leader Raila Odinga's inner circle.
Deputy President Ruto questioned Tuju's loyalty in a tweet that read: 'So our democracy is so liberal that the SG of the ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu.'
However, Tuju refused to engage in a public argument with Ruto, stating: 'Please do put on record that I refuse to be drawn into public argument with the deputy president or engage with him through the media because he is my boss in the party. That is my position.'
Tuju's decision not to respond to Ruto's tweet comes at a time when he has been at odds with leaders affiliated to Ruto, with many calling for his resignation from the party post.
