Allies of Deputy President William Ruto are up in arms against President Uhuru Kenyatta for snubbing his deputy during the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, on Wednesday.
Led by Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang'ula, leaders backing Ruto for the seat lashed out at the President saying his treatment of his deputy was "shameful"
The 59th Madraka Day celebration was a clear departure from the usual tradition that has punctuated it and other national holidays.
Uhuru's move to ignore his deputy, who was denied a chance to speak, in all appearances showed their political relationship is in a coma.
It has been a norm that Deputy President would speak first and in turn, welcome his boss the President to address the nation.
But on Wednesday, Uhuru went straight to the podium to address the nation after conferring State Honours to a list of Kenyans.
He first invited the visiting Sierra Leone President Julius Bio to give his remarks before he again took charge of the State address.
In his introductory remarks, Uhuru blatantly refused to acknowledge Ruto's presence.
Reacting to the shocking turn of events, Wetangula blasted the president saying he has soiled the image of the nation.
"It is shocking that your guest the President of Sierra Leone could recognise your deputy but you yourself could not recognise him. It is a terrible shame. It is a blow to the integrity and image of our country," Wetangula said at Thirime primary school grounds in Kikuyu, Kiambu, where he attended a football tournament after the Madraka fete.
Also present at the tournament were Ruto, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker Justin Justin Muturi and many other local leaders.
Wetangula further castigated the President saying he used a national event as a campaign tool for the Azimio coalition at an event graced by local and foreign dignitaries.
Similar sentiments were shared by Kiharu MP Ndidni Nyoro who encouraged the DP to carry on with his desire to liberate the country.
He chided the president for ignoring his deputy even as he said his term, after all, is nearing an end.
"Today is your last day to undermine the hustlers. Even if you denied him the chance to speak, Ruto will be given a chance to address Kenyans after 9th August," Nyoro said.
Dagoretti South Mp John Kiarie who reacted to the matter warned those who undermine the DP that they will soon greet him with honour because God is with him.
Ruto, however, started clear the matter and focused on drumming support for his presidential bid.
