In a surprising move, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday interrupted Deputy President William Ruto as he was about to deliver his speech during the National Tree Planting Day.
Trouble began when Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko invited the DP to make his address at the function, a move that Sonko termed as flouting of the State House protocol as per the day's program.
On realizing that he would be left out given that the President is supposed to speak after the DP, Sonko took to the podium forcing the DP who was about to make his remarks to seat down.
[caption caption="Sonko during the event"]
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The Nairobi County Boss has however received the support of the Director of Digital Innovations and Diaspora Communications Dennis Itumbi.
"I am with Sonko on this one, whatever you think about him, he is an elected Governor," Itumbi told off Sonko's critics over the incident.
In remarks that appeared to indirectly refer to the protocol mishap, Itumbi quipped: "The rest of us are appointed into offices if you want to fight him, itisha kura (campaign for an elective post like he did).
Itumbi further reminded Sonko's political enemies that "for the next 5 years he is the choice of the People of Nairobi" hence the need to respect him.
During the unfortunate incident, Sonko had voiced his concern over the protocol hitch noting that: "Leaders should stop undermining me. We all serve the same government. The county government of Nairobi has not been disbanded.
"A little respect will not harm anyone," he remarked with both the DP and President steering clear of the issue during their speeches.
[caption caption="Dennis Itumbi"]
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"We love you and we respect you. Do not mind the perception that has been created out there," Sonko had told the President.
