From being blocked from travelling to Uganda to celebrating fall of BBI: Memorable moments of DP Ruto in 2021
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Deputy President William Ruto has had high and low moments in 2021. In this feature, we seek to highlight these moments that have shaped Ruto's political journey as the country heads to 2022 general elections.
Ruto blocked from travelling to Uganda
On August 2, 2021, DP Ruto was blocked at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while on his way to Uganda.
His Communication Secretary David Mugonyi confirmed the incident and said that the DP was told to seek clearance from the Head of Public Service and the Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Kinyua before being allowed to leave the country.
"He was asked to seek clearance from Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet when he reached the airport. We are surprised because this has never happened in the last nine years that he has been in office," Mugonyi said.
The DP is said to have headed back to his office after being blocked from travelling.
In what appeared to be an indirect comment on the issue, the DP took to his Twitter to make a statement.
“Isorait…Tumwachie mungu (It is all right... let us leave it to God,” he tweeted.
Ruto receives heroic welcome in Kondele on Madaraka Day
In an unlikely scenario, DP Ruto was warmly received in Kondele as he made his way out of the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo after Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2021.
Kondele residents in uncharacteristic excitement stopped the DP’s entourage after the celebrations.
Ruto stopped briefly to wave at the huge crowd that was chanting his name.
They charged towards his motorcade, but Ruto could not address them because the vehicle carrying his public address system was far from his official vehicle.
Ruto stoned in Kondele
On November 10, 2021, DP Ruto's visit to Nyanza region hit headlines after his motorcade was pelted with stones by rowdy youths in Kisumu's Kondele area.
The youth, chanting slogans in support of ODM leader Raila Odinga, barricaded the Kisumu-Kakamega highway as Ruto’s motorcade approached the Kondele stage from the Ciala Resort where the Deputy President had spent the night.
As his motorcade approached Kondele, a huge crowd of youths who had all along been singing and dancing on the road, turned rowdy.
For about 15 minutes, the youths chanting “Raila Juu! Raila Juu” and brandishing placards praising Raila’s Sh6,000 social safety net, blocked the road and pelted the DP’s motorcade with missiles.
“Onge bura mora mora mabiro timre Kondele ka onge Baba,” (There is no rally which will take place at Kondele without Baba) the youths chanted.
Police lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the youth and to clear the road to allow the DP’s convoy to proceed to Kondele.
Ruto declares UDA as his party of choice for 2022
On March 25, 2021, DP Ruto declared for the first time that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as his party of choice for 2022 presidential election.
While making the announcement, the DP said his effort to 'resuscitate' the ruling Jubilee Party had not been successful.
Ruto has since come out very clearly and popularise the party countrywide.
The party has so far won one parliamentary seat and several ward elections this year.
Ruto celebrates fall of BBI
On August 21, 2021, DP Ruto celebrated the Court of Appeal ruling that stopped Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process brining to an end constitutional amendment talks that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga were championing for.
Ruto urged Kenyans and political leaders to embrace the Court of Appeal ruling on the BBI bill.
He further asked Kenyans to champion their energy on an economic recovery plan with a focus on securing new employment opportunities for the youth.
"It is time for us to imagine together a new society that gives priority to the greatest number of its citizens. We must pursue the creation of millions of jobs and not mere sharing of political positions," Ruto stated.