Deputy President William Ruto has responded to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s statement that sent tongues wagging and caused anxiety among his supporters.

President Kenyatta on Wednesday caused a stir at a public event in Nairobi after he said that "Hii Kijana anaitwa Ruto unajua kila weekend anatangatanga kila pahali atakuwa anapitia hizi machoro choro mkiona kuna kitu inaenda kona kona mumwambie

(This young man called Ruto, you know, who loiters everywhere every weekend will be passing through these alleys, if you see something wrong happening, tell him).

Addressing the public in Embu during the burial of National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi’s mother, Ruto challenged the head of state to tout the nation and connect with citizens.

Ruto downplayed the statement, stating that he would diligently o as instructed and report back to the President.

“Mr President, it is time for you to tour the country and listen to the people on the ground...but as a result of the directive you gave me the other day that I should implement every weekend as I loiter around in remote areas, upcountry, counties and even back streets, I will give a summary of findings" Ruto said.

Kenyatta’s remarks which came in the backdrop of reports of tension and division in Jubilee sent tongues wagging with some reading more than what was communicated in the brief statement.