Kenyans took to the social media to share their reaction after National Super Alliance (NASA)presidential candidate Raila Odinga was ignored during the 54th Madaraka day celebrations in Nyeri.
The veteran politician had accepted the invitation to attend the event but was largely ignored with none of those who addressed the crowds recognizing his presence.
Here are some of their reactions:
I'm a jubilee supporter ,bt i think and felt it was wrong to ignore Raila Odinga, i was so much waiting for his speech or talk #MadarakaDay
— Ben karangi (@kapaintz) June 1, 2017
It's wrong to deny Raila Odinga an opportunity to speak in Nyeri. This is a national event not a private baby shower. #HATUKOPAMOJA!
— Gerald Bitok (@gerabito) June 1, 2017
#Raila and Madaraka day. How can you deny institution chance to speak? Uhulootos must fall.
— Erick Owiso (@ErickOwiso2) June 1, 2017
Again Uhuru and Ruto your advisors have stabbed you at your backs forfailing to recognize Raila AmolloOdinga #MadarakaDay #NASAUnitingKenya
— Britte Adams (@AdamsBritte) June 1, 2017
@solo_ambuku Pettiness .How can you unite a country with such mentality #MadarakaDay
— Blac Mamba (@EmmanuelTende) June 1, 2017
A section of the public also faulted how the event was organized with some speeches and prayers made in vernacular language yet the event was a national holiday. Here is a sample of their reactions.
#MadarakaDay This is more of a Nyeri Cultural Day than a national holiday.
— Davis Nyakundi (@davis_nyakundi) June 1, 2017
#MadarakaDay when uhuru is preaching unity and a National function is now a Communal based pic.twitter.com/BewSKYXjjc
— ryq the blue (@omwoyoerick1) June 1, 2017
At the end of the event, some people gave his verdict in a tweet that summarised his opinion.
Raila Odinga won the day, nobody is talking about your speech Mr president, I like your advisers, mtaenda nyumbani mapema #MadarakaDay
— Walterz26 (@WWaltermaina) June 1, 2017
Some Kenyans defended the treatment that Mr. Odinga was subjected to for various reasons. Here is what they had to say.
No where in constitution that says Raila has to speak so as it becomes a national holiday he is just a Normal Kenyan #MadarakaDay
— pk (@joekul123) June 1, 2017
#MadarakaDay raila attending the fete was his own undoing..he shld hve held his own parallel rally 2 soothe hs ego $ tht of his sympathisers
— George Muriithi (@GeorgeM27467822) June 1, 2017
