Deputy President William Ruto is expected to grace the Madaraka Celebrations which will be held in Kisumu even as his political friend throw aspersions at the highly publicized event.
Confirming Ruto’s attendance, Director of Communications at the office of the Deputy President Emmanuel Talam said that the DP will join the head of state for the celebration.
However, Talam was quick to note that Ruto had not been invited to accompany the head of state to inspect projects.
“He has been invited for the Madaraka Day celebrations and he will definitely go. For the other projects, he has not been invited and so he will only go for Madaraka Day celebrations. Those are different functions,” said Talam.
The aspect of being sidelined became conspicuous when statehouse spokesperson Kanze Dena failed to announce his attendance during her address to the press.
“The President will be joined on the tour by several national and regional leaders among them former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o among others,” read the statement in part.
Kanze also stated that Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye would be the chief guest at tomorrow’s celebration.
DP Ruto camp now claims that ODM leader Raila Odinga and his handlers have hijacked the celebration sidelining him yet he is the second in command.
Some section of Mps from Ruto’s backyard have termed the ebent to be held in Kisumu as a handshake affair
Keiyo South MP Daniel Rono claimed that the Madaraka celebration is not a national event but for the two handshake partners.
“It’s Madaraka (day) for the two Handshake partners and their cronies. A very sad situation, but things will change soon, they will never stop the power of God and the people,” he claimed.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro on his part claimed that it is a constitutional requirement for DP Ruto to attend Madaraka day celebrations but accompanying Uhuru to launch projects is not a must.
“Such events need no invitation. On accompanying the President for projects, he will only do what the president assigns him to do. I am aware he hasn’t been assigned ‘accompanying’ duties,” Mr Osoro said.