Kenya Kwanza Coalition leaders criticized President Uhuru Kenyatta for not recognizing DP William Ruto during the 59th Madaraka Day fete on Wednesday, June 1.
According to leaders allied to the Deputy President, the Head of State undermined Ruto publicly during a State function, something which some of them have termed as violation of State protocol.
During the Madaraka Day celebrations, after the military showcase, followed by general entertainment and state investiture were done, President Uhuru Kenyatta took over the proceedings and delivered his speech as opposed to the norm where the Deputy President addresses citizens first before inviting his boss.
This move ignited mixed reactions with politicians allied to William Ruto condemning the incident.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri said the incident was historical as it had never been witnessed before yet also divisive to a country.
“Siku ya leo ya Madaraka Day, Rais ameipindua kuwa ‘Madharau’ Day. Kiburi, chuki imepita kiasi yake; rais wetu remember you have one heart. Yout behavior is scaring Kenyans,” Ngunjiri stated in a video.
Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula on his part criticized the move and compared it with the event’s Chief Guest the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio who in his opening remarks acknowledged deputy president William Ruto. He also added that the president’s actions painted a bad image of the country’s leadership to the visitors.
“Katika muhula wake kama rais, pale Uhuru Gardens, you turned a hallowed national day into an Azimio campaign tool. It is amazing Mr President, that your guest the president of Sierra Leon could acknowledge the presence of your deputy president but you yourself couldn’t,” Wetangula said.
Likewise, Kiharu legislator Ndindi Nyoro weighed in on the disrespect saying that it would be the final event where DP Ruto had been sidelined. He then stated that August polls, would bring in a new government where Kenyans interests would be upheld.
“Ata kama rais wetu wa tano hajapewa nafasi aongee pale siku ya leo, wewe unapewa nafasi ya kuongoza wakenya wote from the August 9th… Kaeni na hiyo madharu yenu huko, Wakenya wamejipanga wachague Ruto kama rais wetu wa tano.” Nyoro said.