Ruto on Cabinet: I have no powers over who the president appoints

Deputy President William Ruto has once again come out to assure the country that all is well between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta over Cabinet selection.

Mr. Ruto on Tuesday once again asked Kenyans to refrain from speculating on the formation of the Cabinet saying  the president should be allowed the freedom to choose who will serve in government.

Speaking during the burial of three Africa Independent Pentecostal Church (AIPCA) bishops in Meru County, Ruto said he does not have the powers to supervise who the president appoints or nominates to the cabinet.

“We should all give the president room to pick Cabinet Secretaries without speculating on who will make it or not,” said DP Ruto.

The DP also sent a stern warning to the newly appointed and nominated Cabinet Secretaries saying that public officers should serve the public with integrity.

“Whoever will be appointed, you are appointed to serve all Kenyans. Stay clear of politics,” he said.

Ruto also dismissed any chances of holding dialogue with the opposition saying that the Jubilee administration is focused on developing the country.

“We almost spent the whole of last year politicking. We will not participate in any debate on who won the election or not,” said the Deputy President.

President Kenyatta also attended the event but remained tight lipped on who will fill the remaining cabinet positions.

Speculation of a split between the president and his deputy have been rife since last Friday when Mr. Kenyatta surprised the country by naming a partial cabinet with Mr. Ruto being conspicuously absent.

The head of state retained six Cabinet Secretaries and axed 13 others. He also nominated three to the Cabinet; former Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani, Ex-Turkana Senator John Munyes and former Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko.

According to sources, the two most powerful men in the country allegedly have a 50-50 coalition agreement agreed upon when Ruto agreed to back Kenyatta for president before the 2013 presidential polls.

Their parties, The National Alliance (TNA) and United Republican Party (URP) have since been collapsed to form the Jubilee Party.