Kenyans have been left wondering why Deputy President William Ruto was conspicuously missing during a State House address hosted by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, February 25.
The meeting was attended by different political party leaders including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The DP had attended a Cabinet meeting at the house on the hill marking their first encounter since Uhuru dared the former to resign.
In the address, the political leaders discussed the popularisation of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which has received a node from 42 county assemblies.
"Their affirming voice has thundered across the Republic, in resonance with the desire of all Kenyans to further strengthen our governance by breaking the cycle of divisive elections, fostering the equitable distribution of resources by enhancing the share of revenues to County Governments, and creating a more robust and responsive framework to secure opportunities for all Kenyans including our micro, small and medium enterprises.
"Today, on behalf of a grateful nation, we convey our immense gratitude to all our County Assemblies for their monumental support for this Popular Initiative. Their bold action sets the foundation upon which Kenya shall advance inter-generational equity, realize gender parity, guarantee equal opportunities for all, and give each Kenyan a bigger slice of our shared prosperity," read the statement in part.
The event was also attended by Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, KANU's Gideon Moi, Narc's Charity Ngilu and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetangula.
In the meeting, the leaders resolved to hold civic education for the public on the BBI process.
"To ensure the voice of every Kenyan is heard and to enable every one of us to exercise their civic duty, we will undertake civic education to sensitize the entire Kenyan nation on the opportunities that lie for our homeland and nation as part of this initiative," continued the statement in part.
The meeting is set for March 9, 2021.
An insider had confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the DP had sat at the high table alongside Uhuru to discuss the issues regarding the development agenda and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which were reported to have been given top priority.
The move was deemed odd since the DP fought tooth and nail against the bill.
