This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's decision to cancel his rallies in Central Kenya on Sunday, November 10, has sparked speculation about a possible rift between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to Dennis Itumbi, a digital strategist in the President's office and one of DP Ruto's allies, the Deputy President had to cancel his rallies as a sign of respect for the President's visit to the region.
Itumbi said, 'Ruto cancelled his safari because of the great respect he has for the President. He wouldn't have held any rallies in the area if the President was there.'
However, the cancellation of the rallies has raised eyebrows among Jubilee supporters, with some questioning the reasons behind the decision.
President Kenyatta and his Deputy were scheduled to visit the region on Sunday, November 10, but the President's visit was cut short after he attended a church service in Maragua.
As a result, DP Ruto was forced to cancel his rallies, which had been scheduled to take place in the same region.
Other officials, including Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, ICT CS Joe Mucheru, and Transport CS James Macharia, later joined Governor Mwangi wa Iria to address the crowd.
It is not clear why the President cancelled his visit to the region, but the move has sparked speculation about a possible rift between him and DP Ruto.
