FEATURED STORY

Sick or in Mandera? Mystery over William Ruto’s health deepens

BUSINESS TODAYMay 19, 20164.7k

Deputy President has been in good health and is seen here in a sprint to receive Kenyans athletes at JKIA.

Is Deputy President William Ruto really okay? That’s the question many Kenyans are asking after unconfirmed reports that he was rushed to Nairobi Hospital last night.

Mr Ruto, who has been buoyant lately exuding great shape and physical health, is said to have collapsed at his Karen home in Nairobi. Details of his health are scanty, and the posting of an old photo purporting to show him today in North Easter has stokes fires that he could be lying in hospital bed.

Controversial blogger Robert Alai, who broke the “news”, insists that his sources have confirmed that indeed the DP was admitted at Nairobi hospital.

President @UKenyatta, DP @WilliamsRuto in Elwak, Mandera, at start of three-day tour of North Eastern region. Source / Manoah Esipisu, State House — President @UKenyatta, DP @WilliamsRuto in Elwak, Mandera (today), at start of three-day tour of North Eastern region. Source / Manoah Esipisu, State House

Official government communication shows the DP has accompanied the President on a tour of Mandera County. State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu has just posted a photo (published above) on twitter showing the Deputy President with President Uhuru Kenyatta and a delegation in Elwak, Mandera County.

But Alai reposted saying: “‪#‎WhereIsDPRuto : I don’t have Ruto nor do I wish him death. I am reporting what I know. Ruto is not a private property of his wife, Jubilee coalition or his supporters. He is the deputy president of Kenya. The people deserve to know what happened to him and where he is. I can AUTHORITATIVELY confirm to you that he was rushed to hospital last evening.”

An earlier photo posted by his close associates has been discredited as a file picture from a 2015 event in Wajir. BusinessToday has confirmed that this photo was taken in Wajir on February 8^th 2015 and was posted by DPPS (Deputy President Press Service) on the same day at 17.04 hours.

William Ruto — This photo was posted by Ruto’s close allies but has been dismissed as file picture.

Today morning Ruto’s close political friends said he had arrived in Wajir from Wilson airport and denying the illness report.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who is a strong ally of the Deputy President said on Twitter: “To friends calling/sending SMS about wellbeing of (William Ruto), please ignore rumours on social media. I spoke to him as he left Nairobi for North Eastern.”

Until Kenyans see Mr Ruto live on TV, the speculation continues.