Deputy President Dr William Ruto on Sunday took a swipe at Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju questioning his new role in ODM leader Raila Odinga’s team, two days after the CS without portfolio attended a meeting with ODM leaders in Rarieda constituency.
Ruto’s post on twitter sparked a debate with his close allies calling for the resignation of Tuju following his suspected links with Raila.
“So our democracy is so liberal that the SG of a ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu (wonders),” Ruto’s post read.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has however defended Tuju over the claims.
State House spokesperson Kanze Dena told the Nation Tuesday that Mr Tuju’s Rarieda meeting was official and it was sanctioned by the President.
“The meeting in Rarieda was a government function and Mr Tuju was there in his capacity as the presidential representative,” said Ms Dena.
Kanze Dena further revealed that Tuju had an official speech of the President that he was to read.
“The Cabinet Secretary had an official speech of the President and, therefore, it was not a private function but a development event by the government.”
Mr Tuju also confirmed that he read the Head of State’s speech as a government official.
“It was indeed an official trip. On our arrival, we were received by the local administration and Permanent Secretary in the State department of Youth,” he said.
On Thursday last week, Mr Tuju, Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Jubilee secretariat official Steve Mwanga flew to Rarieda in one chopper to tour various development projects, sparking controversy in Jubilee.