DRAMA: Sonko blocks Ruto’s speech as Uhuru looks on – VIDEO
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko caused a shocking protocol row when he blocked Deputy President William Ruto from speaking before him during the launch of the national tree planting day, which was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Drama unfolded at Moi Forces Academy, the venue of the function, after Cabinet Secretary for Environment Keriako Tobiko invited the Deputy President to make his speech and thereafter invite the president to the podium.
But just as the DP was raising from his seat Sonko, who had not spoken, suddenly interjected by grabbing an adjacent microphone, forcing Ruto to quickly take back his seat.
“Your Excellency, the status of the programme is very clear, that I’m supposed to… Your Excellency, the status of the programme is very clear. After the anthem its the governor of Nairobi speaking, then the minister, then the Deputy President, then you, Your Excellency. Hii mambo ya kuni-undermine tafadhalini tuache,” Sonko said.
STOP UNDERMINING ME
Sonko extended his rant a little longer as he seemingly lectured the Jubilee party’s top brass against undermining him.
“We are all serving the same government. The president can’t disband Nairobi County government. I’m therefore asking for some little respect,” Sonko continued as he turned around to look straight at Tobiko who was seated right behind him on podium’s front row along with the president and other VIP guests.
All this happened as a smiling President Kenyatta, his deputy Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta looked on.