Raila Skips Ruto’s First State of the Nation Address Despite Seat Being Reserved

Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga skipped President William Ruto’s first State of the Nation address on Thursday.

This is despite an executive seat being set aside for him at the Speaker’s Gallery.

Odinga’s seat was placed between Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

The Opposition Chief did not mention anything related to Ruto’s address before today.

Instead, Raila attended a student leaders forum which was attended by different universities in Kenya.

ADVERTISEMENT

He was joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other ODM leaders.

The last time President Ruto and Raila were spotted together was last week on Tuesday during the State banquet in honour of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the State House.

However, some Azimio MPs attended the State of the Nation address.

Leader of the Minority at the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi and Minority Whip Junet Mohammed were among those who received Ruto at Parliament buildings.

Ruto’s address comes 14 months after Ruto became Kenya’s fifth President.

The last State of the Nation address was given by former President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 30, 2021.

This was months before the General Election, in which Ruto emerged winner of the presidential race and was sworn into office on September 13, 2022.

Article 132 of the Constitution states that; Once every year, a report, in an address to the nation, on all the measures taken and the progress achieved in the realisation of the national values.