Deputy President William Ruto's allies, who were in his company at Wilson Airport on Monday night, August 2, held a press briefing narrating events before he was blocked from travelling.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro alleged that the DP was at the airport for five and a half hours waiting for clearance.

Upon asking which clearance was needed, Ruto and his entourage were informed that he ought to produce his birth certificate and a letter from the chief to show that he was authorised to travel.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro speaking in Nyamira County of October 15, 2020 FILE

"I have never seen the DP humiliated to such a level. We could hear them on the phone saying that he should indicate who he is. One time they wanted a birth certificate, then his ID, even a letter from the chief. This is not the kind of Kenya we should be proud of," Nyoro added.

The MP, who spoke from Uganda, claimed that senior government officials including the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua and Interior CS Fred Matiang'i were unaware of the clearance Kenya's second in command needed. 

"The immigration officers told us that they had received orders from above not to clear the DP. No one was able to explain who had issued the orders. 

"We contacted Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and head of public service Joseph Kinyua who stated that he was not the one who had issued the orders," Nyoro stated.

Nyoro was accompanied by Oscar Sudi (Kapseret MP) and Benjamin Tayari (Kinango MP), who were cleared to board the commercial flight to Entebbe International Airport. 

The MPs noted that they were also asked to get clearance from parliament.

"We contacted the leadership of the house who clarified that we did not need any clearance from anyone especially because it was a private visit."

A number of DP's allies have also taken to social media to protest the blocking of his flight.  

"In his 9 years in office the DP has never been required to have Clearance to travel, why now? You can keep on humiliating him but remember power is transient and a year from now you will be on your way out and the People of Kenya will decide their destiny," Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika stated.

"The Deputy President has never ever required any clearance to travel out of the country. There is no law or regulation requiring him to seek clearance before travel for any public or private engagement. What happened today is a sheer act of impunity and gross violation of the Constitution," Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen weighed in.

Senators Susan Kihika and Kipchumba Murkomen at the unveiling of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party office

FILE  Kenyans.co.ke