Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has called on Kenyans to be responsible for the country’s destiny.

Ruto, who did not address attendees of today’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, said it was upon Kenyans to choose a path of progress so that Kenya can move forward.

“Today we celebrate 59 years of Madaraka but we must not forget that we are responsible for the next years ahead, we are the makers of this nation, let us choose a path of progress, unity, and prosperity.

“Madaraka Day is a reminder that we the people are the sole authors of the Kenyan story, let us write new chapters of prosperity and abundance for all; especially ordinary people,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

In breach of protocol at the national event, President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to acknowledge the DP’s presence at the function.

Uhuru skips Ruto

The President started by saluting Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Wonie Bio, who was the chief guest at the event, before skipping Ruto to acknowledge the Speakers of the National Assembly, Senate and Chief Justice Martha Koome.

He then went straight to his speech after a short address by the visiting Head of State.

A program seen by People Daily Digital did not have the name of the country’s second in command.

The President’s principal assistant is usually the de facto Master of Ceremonies at such events.

Normally, he invites high-profile guests and only hands the program over to the President in case there is a visiting head of state.