DP Ruto shrugs off Madaraka Day snub, as allies drag President Kenyatta [Video]

Allies of Deputy President William Ruto have responded to what was termed as the undermining of the UDA party leader during the Madaraka Day celebrations on Wednesday.

The event which was held at the newly renovated Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi differed from other national holidays in that DP Ruto was not allowed to speak.

A video also emerged showing First Lady Margaret Kenyatta passing the DP and his wife Rachel before greeting the chief guest President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone.

Ruto had also not been invited to a pre-event arranged by President Kenyatta’s Cabinet Secretaries at State House before the Uhuru Gardens fete.

Immediately after the Madaraka day celebrations, Ruto travelled to Thogoto in Kikuyu constituency for a football tournament.

Speaking during the tournament, allies of the DP claimed the president had failed to live up to his stature as a symbol of national unity.

“It is amazing Mr President that your guest, the president of Sierra Leone could acknowledge the presence of your deputy president but you couldn't. it is a terrible shame,” said Ford Kenya party leader Senator Moses Wetangula.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie said those in power could only belittle the DP for a short while and would be forced to respect him as president.

Deputy President William Ruto inThogoto, Kikuyu constituency for a football tournament. Pulse Live Kenya

“Uhuru’s Madaraka has come to an end and will be replaced by the hustler nation so our supporters should not worry,” former Kiambu governor William Kabogo said.

“Today was the last day you will treat the hustler nation with contempt. Even if our next president (Ruto) was not given a chance to speak, he will be given a chance to lead the country from August 9,” Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro added.

However, during his speech, DP Ruto steered clear of the Madaraka Day protocol debate, choosing instead to publicise his presidential bid.

“This election is about one thing; the economy. Everything else is a sideshow and a distraction. It is about the economy and the people who know what to do about the economy. Our competitors don’t know what anything to do with the economy, they are just politicians,” Ruto said.