Why Deputy President Did Not Address The Nation During Uhuru’s Last Madaraka Celebration
Uhuru Kenyatta breaks tradition as he denies his Deputy, Dr. William Ruto a chance to address the nation in his last Madaraka Day celebration.
Ordinarily, it has been Kenya’s culture that Deputy President would speak first and in turn, welcome the President to address the nation.
In all national day celebrations held since Uhuru and Ruto took power in 2013, that has been the culture.
President Uhuru Kenyatta shocked the nation today after he breached tradition and began addressing the Madaraka Day celebrations before his deputy William Ruto spoke.
After awarding of state honours to a list of Kenyans, the President went straight to address the nation.
Tellingly, Uhuru also skipped his deputy as he recognised the dignitaries present.
After the recognition of those present, Uhuru welcomed Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who is the chief guest, to address Kenyans.
“Before I talk, I want to invite Sierra Leon president to make his remarks,” Uhuru said.
A programme of 59th Madaraka Day celebrations had shown that Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu was to speak first after the closure of the entertainment period.
She was to later invite Deputy President Ruto to give his brief remarks and then welcome Uhuru to address his last national day holiday
