President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to recognise Deputy President William Ruto’s presence while making his speech at the Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.
At the beginning of his address, Kenyatta recognised the visiting Sierra Leon President Julius Maada, the visiting first lady, speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate and the Chief Justice Martha Koome.
After the recognition, the President welcomed Sierra Leone President, who is the chief guest, to address Kenyans.
“Before I talk, I want to invite the Sierra Leon president to make his remarks,” Uhuru said.
The President also denied Ruto the opportunity to address the public breaching tradition.
Generally, it has been Kenya’s culture that the DP would speak first and in turn, welcome the President to address the nation.
Soon after awarding State investiture to a list of Kenyans, the President went straight to address the nation.
In a programme seen by The Informer the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations showed that Ruto was not accommodated in the programme in Statehouse.
The President in his speech also spoke of how the Uhuru Gardens had been grabbed at the expense of the taxpayer.
It has been alleged the newly refurbished Uhuru Gardens had been grabbed by state officials among them Ruto.
