Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday publicly apologised to President William Ruto for his lateness to an Akorino prayer service in Nakuru County.

At the function held at Nakuru Boys’ High School, Gachagua arrived after his boss, then began his speech by apologising to President Ruto. He blamed his late arrival on transport challenges, bad weather and traffic jams.

Gachagua labelled himself as the most disciplined official in President Ruto’s government.

“You know I am very disciplined; I am a former uniformed services member and in your government, I am the most disciplined,” said the deputy president.

“I had challenges with my transport arrangements and then came the weather. I left late and got stuck in traffic between Naivasha and Longonot for over two hours.”

He then thanked President Ruto for attending the Akorino service after local leaders sent him an invite through DP Gachagua.

“I am the happiest person today,” the DP told Ruto.

In government circles, President Ruto is famed for his punctuality and has on several occasions publicly directed senior officials to explain their lateness to his meetings in writing.

Last August, Ruto locked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his then Trade counterpart Moses Kuria out of a performance contract signing event at State House, Nairobi due to lateness.

He demanded a written explanation.

Ruto has dismissed criticism of micromanagement and fearmongering, saying he is particular about how he wants those under him to work because he wants to see them succeed.

Gachagua’s apology on Sunday came amid speculation that he and Ruto are not on good terms amid purported rift and tension within their United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

The DP however maintains that he is focused on supporting Ruto to discharge his responsibilities and that he will be distracted by what he calls divisive politics.

“When President Ruto wanted someone to stand with him, I was there. We campaigned for him. He is a product of our effort; our work is to support him deliver,” Gachagua told a fundraiser at Sigowet-Soin in Kericho County on Saturday.