Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's administration has issued a statement on Deputy President William Ruto's aborted flight, distancing itself from the intrigues behind power struggles in Kenya.
On Wednesday afternoon, August 4, Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - Henry Okello Oryem - held a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala to address reports alleging that Uganda was interfering with internal politics in Kenya.
Oryem stated that Museveni and his regime did not have any personal interests in Kenyan politics, adding that Ruto's trip to the neighbouring country was solely Kenya's affair to handle.
The Minister added that Uganda was not aware of the reasons that prompted Kenyan authorities to delay and cancel Ruto's flight at Wilson on Monday, August 2.
"That's a question that can only be answered by them.
"To my best of knowledge, the protocol department led by the Chief of Protocol has no record whatsoever of any request to provide services to his Excellency Ruto," Oryem responded.
When prompted further, he added that the Kenyan High Commission did not inform Uganda of Ruto's visit, indicating that the two countries did not regard it as an official trip.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi had asked Museveni to respect Kenya and desist from interfering with the country's politics.
Speaking during an interview on Inooro FM on Wednesday morning, August 4, DP Ruto defended Museveni, stating that the President was also an ally to all senior politicians in Kenya and should not be dragged into the saga.
"Museveni is my friend, President Uhuru Kenyatta's and ODM leader Raila Odinga's ally. We all have campaigned for him before. Why should there be a problem when I tour Uganda but not an issue when the others visit.
"I was not flying to Uganda on an official tour. I was going to handle my own personal matters," Ruto lamented and wondered why the government barred him after he failed to seek permission from relevant offices.
Interior PS Karanja Kibicho, however, issued a response to the DP insisting that he lacked some crucial documents necessary for clearance.
"If he ever travelled without them, the immigration officers may be the ones who failed. Hence, we cannot blame another officer who has chosen not to fail," Kibicho emphasised.
