This archive report was first published on 29 December 2019.
December 29, 2019, marked a day of intense online debate after Deputy President William Ruto took to Twitter to slam ODM leader Raila Odinga over his comments on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
According to an article by The Standard, Raila Odinga had spoken at Nyamira ACK Church, where he emphasized the transformative potential of the BBI reform plan for the country.
However, Ruto's reaction was far from conciliatory, as he demanded 'a little decency and respect' from Odinga in a series of tweets.
“Boss, the last time I checked Kenya was the collective business of the 47m of us. When did it become yours, for the rest of us to be patient with you, as you decide what is good for us!!!!! Yaani sasa imefika hapo? Please a little decency & respect is not much to ask of you ndugu,” DP Ruto tweeted.
The tweet elicited a range of reactions from Kenyans online, with some questioning whether someone writes on Ruto's behalf or if he tweets independently.
Some of the reactions included:
- Ciku Muiruri's query: “Who writes these tweets and do they run them by the DP first?”
- @Nyigi_'s comment: “Hizi ni gani tena. Hata wewe pia imefika hapa pa kujibizana twitter!!! Hii kitu haitaki makasiriko.”
- Muriithi Kiragu's question: “This is not RUTO’S handwriting, Itumbi is that you?”
- Saleem Mumo's observation: “Tangu lini Ruto akaita Rao Boss?? He always refers to him as Tinga.”
- Philbert Aganyo's plea: “To Emmanuel Talam or Ole Itumbi, or whoever is running this account.. Guys.. Please be Decent & Professional. You’re running the Account of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, not some disgruntled MCA somewhere in a remote setting. Civility. Political Tact.”
