Deputy President William Ruto has been barred from visiting neighbouring country Uganda in a private capacity.

According to his Communication Secretary David Mugonyi Ruto was asked to first seek clearance from the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet.

“When he got to the airport, he was asked to seek clearance from Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet. We are surprised. This has never happened in the last nine years,” said Mugonyi.

Reports indicate the DP spent almost 5 hours at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before aborting the mission and retreating home.

Ruto's entourage, which initially suffered the same experience but was later given the green light to fly out, included Benjamin Tayari, Ndidi Nyoro and other businessmen.

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It is, however, not clear what their mission to Uganda was.

Ruto who is considered a close ally to Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has been under political scrutiny after visiting Uganda frequently.

His close contact with Museveni has been raising eyebrows with a section of the public throwing in speculations that he is asking seeking support from his friend Museveni in his bid to become the 5th president of this country.