This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's three-day visit to Barbados has left a power vacuum in Kenya, with Deputy President William Ruto technically in charge. However, Ruto was noticeably absent from the International Youth Day event in Gigiri, which was attended by over 2,000 delegates.
According to sources, the event was supposed to be addressed by President Kenyatta, but his international engagements took priority. Instead, AU Envoy Raila Odinga was invited as the Chief Guest, and was accorded presidential treatment by government officials.
CS Kobia and DP Ruto have been at odds since allegations surfaced that the CS and three other Cabinet Secretaries were plotting to assassinate the DP. The claims have created a rift in the Cabinet, with the accused members denying any wrongdoing.
It is unclear whether CS Kobia intentionally ignored DP Ruto and instead invited Raila Odinga to the event. However, Raila's presence at the event has sparked speculation about the strained relationship between the two.
Speaking at the event, Raila Odinga recognized the importance of the youth demography in Kenya, terming it both a blessing and a curse. He also congratulated the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs for successfully organizing the event.
”Our continent is the youngest in the world in terms of demography and the youth bulge can either be a blessing or a curse depending on how its used. We must work at making education provide youth with a realistic, affordable and attractive path to productive employment ” said Raila.
