Ruto criticised over claim on Bashir visit

Higher Education minister William Ruto. Photo/FILE By NATION correspondent
Posted Sunday, September 5 2010 at 22:28

A minister has denied claims that the Cabinet was informed that Sudan president Omar al-Bashir would attend the ceremony to celebrate the promulgation of the new constitution.

Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang said claims by Higher Education minister William Ruto that the Cabinet was property briefed on the same was intended to create tension in government.

He said the claim was intended to create an impression that there is a tussle between the president and prime minister and that Mr Ruto was backing the president.

Mr Kajwang said that condemnation of al-Bashir’s invitation should not be construed to mean there is a deliberate attempt to attack the president.

“The cabinet was informed that Sudan would be represented by the first vice president Salva Kirr and most of us were surprised to realise it was President al-Bashir,” said Mr Kajwang.