President Uhuru Kenyatta dedicated his last national holiday in office, Madaraka Day, in launching scathing attacks against his deputy, William Ruto.
The Head of State started by snubbing his deputy while recognising dignitaries who had attended the June 1 event at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. This was a deliberate breach of protocol in what seemed like a revenge from the President days after Ruto broke the protocol by inviting Martha Karua to speak before the Head of State during the National Prayer Breakfast.
"Your Excellency Julius Maada, the President of Sierra Leon, and the first lady of Sierra Leon, Dr Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina -President of African Development Bank, Honorable speakers, your Ladyship the Chief Justice Martha Koome, all national leaders, fellow Kenyans, ladies and gentlemen, hamjabo? (How are you?)," he started.
Interestingly, the Sierra Leone President acknowledged the presence of Ruto even as he joined Kenyans in remembering their attainment of self-rule.
In a break away from the normal programming, the Head of State took over the program after various Kenyans received their awards. Uhuru later invited the visiting President to make his remarks.
To add salt to the injury, while delivering his speech, the President indirectly accused Ruto of grabbing public land opposite the Wilson Airport and on which the Weston Hotel stands.
The President noted that a private developer had illegally acquired and transferred to himself a parcel of public land opposite the Wilson Airport, noting that the Ministry of Lands was in the process of repossessing it and reverting it to the rightful owner (the government).
"Land matters were handled using a manual registry, the Ministry of Lands thus became a den of corruption. Part of the Wilson Airport here had a title deed registered in the name of a private individual," he stated.
In a clever move to de-campaign his deputy, President Kenyatta - while giving an account of how his government has ensured equality by appointing women - stated that Kenya will make history in August by electing a deputy president. This was in reference to Martha Karua, the running mate of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential flag bearer, Raila Odinga.
As per the programme seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the celebrations centered around the President with events including the normal guard of honour and a display of military equipment and aircrafts by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
In past national holiday celebrations, the DP has always been tasked with inviting the President to make his remarks.
The differences between the two leaders also played out earlier during the celebrations as Ruto was conspicuously missing at State House where members of the Cabinet surprised the Head of State.
The snubbing of the DP is a culmination of the state of the relationship between the two leaders who have differed publicly during the second term of the Jubilee administration.
During the National Prayer Breakfast last week, Ruto asked for forgiveness from his boss noting that he may have fallen short of Uhuru's expectations.
"I also know that serving as the Deputy President, I may have fallen short of expectations of my boss His Excellency the President my good friend, I ask for your forgiveness," the DP pleaded.
