Raila snubbed at Madaraka Day fete and Twitter is mad
Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga was on Thursday snubbed by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Madaraka Day celebrations at Kabiru-ini grounds in Nyeri County.
Mr Odinga, who had attended the 54th celebrations, was seated next to National Police Service Commission (NPSC) chairman Johnston Kavuludi.
President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto steered clear of any mentions of the opposition leader, a departure from the past where they would mention how the opposition is criticizing the government.
President Kenyatta also neither acknowledged nor shook hands with Mr Odinga after the celebrations.
OFF THE CUFF
After Mr Ruto’s speech, some Kenyans on Twitter opined that he should have invited the former Prime Minister before inviting the president to give his speech.
Similarly, in his off the cuff remarks in Swahili, President Kenyatta avoided mentioning the opposition leader.
The two leaders will face off in the ballot for the country’s top political office in the August 8 general elections.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
Uhuru has invited Raila several times to speak in public. I suppose this being a state function protocol is observed. https://t.co/kLxfISoBcv
— Jennifer Shamalla (@JeniferShamalla) June 1, 2017
I’m a jubilee supporter ,bt i think and felt it was wrong to ignore Raila Odinga, i was so much waiting for his speech or talk #MadarakaDay
— Ben karangi (@kapaintz) June 1, 2017
I hav always heard Jubilee preach unity why then deny Raila Odinga an opportunity to even greet th audience…#JubileeTawe #MadarakaDay
— JOSEPH BARASA (@BarasaJoseph) June 1, 2017
If am not wrong this #madarakaday event was propelled to devastate H.E President RAILA ODINGA even no recognition yawa!!
— enalacran morgan (@Enalacran254) June 1, 2017
it should have been fair if they gave raila a chance to speak to kenyans. uhuru its your last madaraka day #madarakaDay
— Kelvin Kalz (@Kelvinkalz2) June 1, 2017
You fail to recognize Hon. @RailaOdinga. We respect it because it’s your last address on national events. Raila Tibiim #MadarakaDay
— Phivon N Nyambane (@PhivonNyambane) June 1, 2017
It’s wrong to deny Raila Odinga an opportunity to speak in Nyeri. This is a national event not a private baby shower. #HATUKOPAMOJA!
— Gerald Bitok (@gerabito) June 1, 2017
Such a nice touch, inviting Raila to Madaraka celebrations in Nyeri. Quite a contrast to Joho getting blocked to a presidential function.
— S.M. (@pmusesya) June 1, 2017
Raila goofed attending an event organized and presided by Uhuruto at this charged campaign period
— Edwin Makokha™ (@vanMakos) June 1, 2017