Deputy President William Ruto’s allies reacted angrily to the decision to leave him out of the speakers’ list at the Madaraka Day celebrations.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision did not augur well for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy.

“The President did not show statesmanship, not good for his legacy,” said Murkomen.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure also expressed anger at the events at the Uhuru Gardens.

“Petty,” Kindiki said.

Kenyans also took to social media to react to the Ruto snub.

“DP Ruto just got sidelined like that… let the war begin, dynasties must fall,”Atieno Nyar Asego posted on her twitter account.

Chance to speak

Murkomen also poked holes on the speech saying it was opposite of what Kenyans were experiencing.

“Uhuru Kenyatta is praising security agencies and parading expensive weapons and heavy artillery while the people are being slaughtered in Kerio Valley. What a shame,” he said.

The President’s supporters, however, said he had the right to decide who would speak during the celebrations.

“Why are UDA bitter and bring their pettiness just because he did not speak,” posted Riwa.

Blogger and Kileleshwa ward aspirant Robert Alai said President Kenyatta was within his right not to give Ruto a chance to speak.

Earlier in the morning, Ruto is said to have been kept out of a Cabinet meeting at State House.

Asked why the DP failed to attend the meeting, his communication director Emmanuel Talam said he had not been invited.

The fallout between Uhuru and his deputy has been playing out in the open in the recent past.