‘Time keeper’ Ruto oversees Mashujaa fete in record time
In the world of politics, punctuality isn’t always the name of the game.
However, Kenya’s President William Ruto seems to be rewriting the rules. For the first time in the Kenyan history, President Ruto wrapped up the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations during the early morning hours.
Even before the clock struck 12 (noon), President Ruto had finished reading his speech, and the anthems (Kenyan and East African) were sung before the crowd was dismissed.
The Head of State arrived at the Kericho Green stadium at around 10 am to lead the country in the celebrations.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged Kenyans to wake up early, emphasizing that the stadium gates would swing open at 3 am. He attributed this early start to adverse weather conditions, expressing concerns about potential disruptions caused by the ongoing heavy rainfall in the country.
“The gates will be opened at 3 am, and the stadium is relatively small, so it’s advisable to arrive on time. Our officers will guide you to your designated seating areas, promising an unforgettable celebration.”
He further clarified, “We’ve decided to begin early due to the rainy weather. Given the current rain patterns, there is a possibility of disruptions, so we urge you to make it to the venue promptly.”
Though President Ruto kept his promise of ensuring that the Mashujaa’s Day fete begins and ends early, his punctuality leaves many surprised more so when you compare his regime and the previous governments.
In the era of previous administrations, delays were the norm, and members of the media were often left waiting for former President Uhuru Kenyatta to make his appearances at public addresses. On numerous occasions, when the media was invited to an address scheduled for 3 pm, it would frequently commence hours behind schedule.
Back in August, President Ruto made headlines when he barred cabinet secretaries from entering the Performance Contract Signing event at State House, Nairobi, due to their late arrival.
In addressing the issue of punctuality, the President emphasized the importance of timeliness and urged cabinet secretaries to be punctual. He underlined that tardiness reflects a lack of professionalism.
He requested an explanation from those who arrived late, insisting that ‘traffic’ should not be used as a reason for their delay. “There are those saying they were in traffic. If you cannot keep time with your employer, you’ve basically dismissed yourself. For those who have come late, I will be expecting a letter of explanation that does not involve traffic,” warned Ruto.
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