Uhuru Snubs Ruto at Madaraka Day Celebrations ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta's Madaraka Day speech on June 1, 2022, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi was marked by a deliberate snub of his deputy, William Ruto, in a breach of protocol.
The Head of State started by recognizing dignitaries, including the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada, and the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, but surprisingly omitted Ruto's name.
Interestingly, the Sierra Leone President acknowledged Ruto's presence, joining Kenyans in remembering their attainment of self-rule.
Leaders attending the Madaraka Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on June 1, 2022.
President Kenyatta later invited the visiting President to make his remarks, further isolating Ruto.
While delivering his speech, the President indirectly accused Ruto of grabbing public land opposite the Wilson Airport and on which the Weston Hotel stands.
"Land matters were handled using a manual registry, the Ministry of Lands thus became a den of corruption. Part of the Wilson Airport here had a title deed registered in the name of a private individual," he stated.
President Kenyatta also made a veiled reference to Martha Karua, the running mate of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential flag bearer, Raila Odinga, stating that Kenya will make history in August by electing a deputy president.
