On June 1, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, marking a significant departure from the norm. In a move that caught many off guard, Deputy President William Ruto was noticeably absent from the event.
According to sources, the Deputy President had not been invited to the event, which was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, visiting Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, and other dignitaries. The absence of the Deputy President was all the more striking given his usual role in such events, where he would typically invite speakers and make remarks before inviting the President to address the nation.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to take charge of the event and award national honours to several individuals, including former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, was seen as a subtle snub to the Deputy President. The move was all the more significant given the growing tensions between the two leaders.
As the event progressed, President Uhuru Kenyatta proceeded to invite visiting President Julius Maada Bio to make brief remarks, before delivering his customary address to the nation. The Deputy President's absence was not acknowledged by the President, further underscoring the tensions between the two leaders.