Deputy President Dr William Ruto played a ceremonial role in Kisii during the 11th Mashujaa Day Celebrations, even as he delivered an ’empty’ speech before welcoming the President.
Ruto who spoke after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga seemingly had not prepared a speech for the celebrations, or maybe abandoned his speech for reasons only known to him, after Mr Odinga’s speech.
Mr Odinga’s speech was full of history, recognising Kenya’s heroes from the Abagusii community, and it was expected that Ruto would follow suit or even do more.
Ruto talked about heroes from the community such as Otenyo Nyamanteri who resisted colonial domination, the late senior chief Musa Nyandusi, Samuel Nyamwea, George Mosti and Hellen Obiri among others.
“For 56 years we have followed one direction. We need to look at what else is missing so that project Kenya can move forward as envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation,” said Raila.
Before concluding his speech, Mr Odinga announced that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) drive to change the constitution would be back “after the break”.
“BBI reggae was launched here, from here, the BBI train moved to Kakamega, all the way to Meru. When we were going to Nakuru, shetani ikaanguka kutoka juu, reggae ikaenda half time. Half time imeisha sasa, nobody can stop reggae,” said Raila.
In response, Ruto said that he hoped the the ‘reggae’ would bring on a national conversation, without saying anything substantial.
“There are millions of ordinary Kenyans who wake up early and sleep late, working hard for our nation to make meaning of our independence… we celebrate them as our Shujaas. My friend the former Prime Minister has said reggae is back. But I hope we shall have a robust conversation to bring everybody on board,” said Ruto.
When the President took to the podium, his speech was full of anecdotes of Kenyan heroes in different times of history.
The President talked about Kenya’s heroes since October 1952 when a state of emergency was declared in Kenya and saw several freedom fighters imprisoned including the founding President the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who was among the Kapenguria six.
The President also recognised Mekatilili wa Menza for leading the Giriama community against the British Rule.
The President also recognised heroes such as Jomo Kenyatta, Harry Thuku, Achieng’ Oneko, Daniel Arap Moi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga among others.
Here are reactions by Kenyan’s to DP Ruto’s speech:-
Baba's @RailaOdinga Mastery of History is unchallengeable, I don't think there is a Kenyan Politician who can have such a memory as his. He has them on his finger tips. #HappyMashujaaDay2020 #MashujaaDay
— Nobert Nyandire 🌍 (@nobnyandire) October 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/Disembe/status/1318482043089702913
Ruto quoted Raila's speech on Reggea. But Uhuru quoted Raila's speech on the rich history of Kenya. It tells you what each considers important. While Uhuru and Raila are focused on the current Kenya, Ruto can't resist his 2022 selfish ambition of becoming President #MashujaaDay
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) October 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/Disembe/status/1318483477914918912
We have never heard DP Ruto narrating the history of Kenya and it's founding fathers because online he will meet Mzee Jomo kenyatta , Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Daniel Arap Moi whom he refers their children as Dynasties, But the reality is Hon Raila Odinga will tell it as it's 💪🏼
— Frank Mtetezi (ʙᴀꜰ)💧🇰🇪 (@FrankMtetezi) October 20, 2020
I still can't understand how William Ruto shouts from the rooftops about Dynasties in his rallies but can't face them in Kisii and tell them to their face 🤔🤔 Is he Ok? #MashujaaDay
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) October 20, 2020
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