On June 1, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta marked the 59th Madaraka Day at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, but his deputy William Ruto was noticeably absent from the State House function that preceded the celebrations.
While Ruto was waiting kilometres away at Uhuru Gardens, President Kenyatta danced with the State House choir after meeting his entire Cabinet, accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Emmanuel Talam, Ruto's spokesman, explained that the DP was not invited to the State House event, saying, 'He wasn't invited to the State House event.'
President Kenyatta's brief ceremony at State House was a joyous affair, with the President and his Cabinet secretaries sharing in the dance to patriotic songs belted by the State House choir.
Meanwhile, Ruto had arrived early at Uhuru Gardens to receive Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who was in the country for a five-day visit.
At State House, President Kenyatta thanked his Cabinet for their support, saying, 'I want to thank you as we have worked well together. It has been a pleasure and honour to have you with us.'
He expressed confidence that they had laid a firm foundation for those who would come after, and looked forward to a great Madaraka Day celebration, which would be his last as President.
Other notable attendees at the Madaraka Day celebrations included ODM leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua, as well as the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and his Senate counterpart Ken Lusaka.
