The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has asked his deputy William Ruto to tender his resignation with immediate effect, as a bitter row between the two heavyweights continues to intensify ahead of general elections billed to hold in August.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Mr Kenyatta had accused Mr Ruto of not doing enough to help the country deal with the struggling economy, while also adding that it is not proper for him to criticise the government from within hence the call.
However in a tweet which was sighted by Africa Today News, New York early Tuesday morning, the deputy president claimed the cabinet had held a meeting for more than two years and while also informing President Kenyatta that he was just a phone call away.
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The president does not have the power to sack his deputy – he can only be removed from office if he is impeached or is incapacitated.
The differences between President Kenyatta and his deputy have played out openly as the country mourned the death of former head of state Mwai Kibaki.
Throughout Friday’s state funeral, President Kenyatta declined to shake Mr Ruto’s hand.
Much of the falling-out is due to August’s general elections.
Mr Ruto wants to run for president, but Mr Kenyatta has instead backed opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The economy has been a major issue in the run-up to the elections. Kenya is currently facing record levels of inflation, with commodities such as cooking oil and fuel going up in price.
Africa Today News, New York had on Sunday reported that Kenyatta announced a 12% increase in the minimum wage as the East African country confronts a surge in the cost of living.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that inflation in Kenya jumped to a seven-month high in April, majorly as a result of skyrocketing fuel and food prices, according to official figures.
‘As a caring government, we find there is a compelling case to review the minimum wages so as to cushion our workers against further erosions,’ Kenyatta said at a Labour Day rally.
He said the 12 percent increase would come into effect from May 1. It takes the minimum monthly wage from 13,500 Kenyan shillings (about $116.5, 110.5 euros) to 15,120 shillings ($130.5, 124 euros).
Africa Today News, New York