President Kenyatta Didn't Insult DP William Ruto, State House Says

State House has refuted claims that President Kenyatta insulted Deputy President William Ruto during a function in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The President was captured using words that Kenyans on social media considered insulting and demeaning to Ruto. 

Addressing residents when he launched the reconstruction of roads in 11 constituencies of Nairobi's Eastlands area, Uhuru said, “Hii kijana anaitwa Ruto unajua kila weekend anatangatanga kila mahali… atakua anapitia hizi machorochoro mkiona kuna kitu inaenda konakona mumuambie. Tuhakikishe kazi ya wananchi imefanyika… Tumekubaliana? Wangapi wanasema tuache siasa tuende kazi?” posed Uhuru as the crowd cheered.

Loosely translated: “The Deputy President loiters around these areas a lot and if you see anything wrong with the progress of the project you can inform him. Let us ensure services are delivered to Kenyans.”

The remarks elicited sharp reactions online, with a large section of Kenyans accusing the President of lack of respect to his deputy.

However, in a tweet, State House Director of Digital and Diaspora Communication Dennis Itumbi said people wrongly interpreted President Uhuru's statement.

"The president basically meant that Ruto is always on the ground and that people should always share problems with him. He did not insult the DP and he said that on a lighter note," Itumbi said.