Deputy President William Ruto's conspicuous absence during President Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet announcement on Friday raised questions with some speculating tension between the two.
The DP's spokesman, Mr David Mugonyi has however dismissed such allegations stating that the DP was not required to be present.
"The Constitution is very clear on who appoints the Cabinet. Who says so and so must be present for something to have concurrence?" Mr Mugonyi posed.
It is on this premise that the second in command opted out of the unexpected announcement, the spokesman conveyed.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with his deputy William Ruto during a past presser "]
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Analysts have read into the unusual stance as an indication of a regime that has settled and no longer needs to display excitement.
"It could mean that the excitement is over or that the dalliance is dissipating. It could also mean nothing," Herman Manyora, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a political analyst observed.
Dr Mark Chetambe, a Kenyatta University lecturer, added that the President appeared anxious stating: "It appeared a little odd when he showed up alone. His body language also showed that he was not as relaxed as has been in the past."
A source close to the DP echoed the sentiments stating that the move could be a first indicator that the regime intends to do things differently in their second term.
"Maybe it is the new way of doing things," the source told Standard.
During the 2013 unveiling of the Cabinet, DP Ruto appeared alongside President Kenyatta with both leaders adorning red ties to convey solidarity.
In September 2017, DP Ruto accompanied the President to his first presser after the Supreme Court annulled their August 2017 election victory.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta when he announced his new cabinet nominees on January 6, 2018 "]
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