On June 1, 2022, thousands of Kenyans gathered at Uhuru Gardens to celebrate the 59th Madaraka Day. However, the ceremony took an unexpected turn when President Uhuru Kenyatta breached protocol by skipping his Deputy, William Ruto, while recognizing other dignitaries.
According to Emmanuel Talam, Ruto's spokesperson, the Deputy President was not invited to State House for the brief ceremony ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. This move by the president was seen as a continuation of a trend that began in 2018.
Netizens reacted differently to the president's decision, with some expressing outrage. Raila Junior, however, couldn't hide his excitement and took to social media to post: 'Uhuru Gardens reclaimed its said it extended as far as past Langata Primary School. Huyu! angechafua wengi roho angekubaliwa kuongea kwa reclaimed site yet ni mhusika mkuu au sio. Anyway let me order for a cold fanta. Happy #MadarakaDay.'