Deputy President (DP) William Ruto on Monday skipped the National Covid-19 Conference that was officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the official programme release by State House, DP Ruto was to speak after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and then invite the President to make his remarks.
It is not clear why DP Ruto, who has kept a low profile on Covid-19 management matters over the last six months, skipped the event.
The DP has been on record calling for the prosecution of the ‘Covid-19 millionaires’ following claims that Covid-19 tenders were irregularly issued.
Netizens were quick to notice the DP’s absence at the conference.
Last month, DP Ruto blamed the Orange Democratic Movement party for taking advantage of the Building Bridges Initiative for “personal gain” when they appeared to defend alleged corrupt activities at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency.
“[That] the pretentious (former) Opposition, now turned Lords of corruption, attempted defence of the Covid-19 grand larceny is not shocking. It confirms the worst of Kenyans’ fears that their side of the handshake was never interested in the people’s good but opportunity to loot. What a shame,” Ruto posted on Twitter.
President Kenyatta launched the conference, urging leaders in attendance to take stock of lessons learned in Kenya’s Covid-19 intervention approach.
