Uhuru cuts short his speech to give Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko rare privilage at the launch of refurbished KCC factory in Dandora

Uhuru breaches protocol to give Sonko rare privilege [Video]

Charles Ouma

July 20, 2019 1:12 PM

Uhuru intervened at the event where Sonko had been ignored

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the inauguration of the revamped New KCC Dandora Factory as part of celebrations to mark Ushirika Day Celebrations 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta today breached protocol and accorded Nairobi governor Mike Sonko rare privilege.

The president who was the chief guest at the launch of the refurbished KCC factory in Dandora and Ushirika Day celebrations intervened after Sonko was ignored at the event.

The President momentarily cut short his speech after being invited by Trade and Industry CS Peter Munya and invited Governor Mike Sonko who had apparently been ignored to the podium to give his speech.

“Lakini mbele ya ninene kidogo mnajua kila mji ikona mwenyewe sitaki afikirie nimemsahau, hebu niruhusu bwana Sonko aongee kidogo halafu tuendelee. (Before I give my speech allow me to invite my host Governor Sonko to give a few remarks lest he thinks that I have ignored him before we proceed). Said President Kenyatta.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta with Governor Mike Sonko Pulse Live Kenya

The head of state made it clear that no other politician would speak after Sonko.

“Hakua mwingine anaongea, hiyo mtafanya baadaye-shauri yenu (Noone elsewill address this meeting, they can do that later)” said the President.

In normal circumstances, all guests deliver their speeches before the President is invited to delivers his speech which marks the climax of events presided over by the head of state.

Sonko acknowledged that it is indeed rare privilege for the president to interrupt his speech and give him an opportunity to speak.

“Mimi sitaki kuongea mengi maanake rais akisimama hakuna mtu mwengine anayetakikana kuongea hiyo ni heshima kubwa sana rais ametupatia. I do not want to give a long speech because once the president takes to the podium, no one else should speak. As such, this is a great sign of respect)” Sonko said.