Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s absence at Nyayo Stadium during Jamhuri Day celebrations left many questions lingering in the minds of Kenyans, especially about the role the governor plays during events.
Sonko's absence remained noticeable from when dignitaries and senior government officials started streaming in, with President Uhuru Kenyatta's arrival sealing the fate that the county chief was going going to be part of the event.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Nairobi County Director of Communications Jacob Elkana stated that the governor was receiving treatment.
"He is on medication, how can he be there yet Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti ruled that he needs proper medication?" wondered Elkana.
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi was captured by media outlets arriving in her official vehicle bearing the county flag. Coupled with the governor's absence, a debate was fuelled on whether she would speak as the highest-ranking Nairobi County Government official present at the Jamhuri celebrations.
Elachi was later guided to a section where she sat among other VIPs, a vivid indication of the significance of her role as county speaker.
According to the protocol in national celebrations, the host governor officially welcomes delegates to the function.
The program started with Deputy President William Ruto addressing the gathering instead.
Governor Sonko has been a man on the radar of corruption watchdogs, leading to his arrest on December 6, over allegations of economic crimes in the county.
On December 11, the governor was released on a Ksh15 million cash bail after Chief Magistrate Douglas Ogoti ruled on the matter, with Sonko expected in court in January 2020.
Among the regulations imposed on Sonko included accessibility to his office, where the judge warned against him visiting his corner office at county hall unless a court rules on the matter.
In the Jamhuri event, the sitting position of some personalities didn't go unnoticed.
Most noticeable was the position of Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen who sat beside ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, despite their political differences.
