Speculations rife as Ruto skips COVID-19 conference
By Simon Kerich
Deputy President William Ruto on Monday skipped the National COVID-19 Conference presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta at KICC.
In the official programme 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 low profile on COVID-19 management in Kenya for the past six months decided to stay away from the conference.
He has been on record calling for prosecution of those involved in misappropriation of COVID-19 funds at KEMSA.
Here are reactions from Kenyans online who noticed DP Ruto's absence:
Where is DP Ruto? Have you noticed his absence in this conference! pic.twitter.com/AmNTD12MKQ— Love child (@lovechildkenya) September 28, 2020
But I can’t see DP at KICC. pic.twitter.com/Kqd385Xb1v— Ahmed Mohamed ((ASMALi)) (@Asmali77) September 28, 2020
Last month, DP Ruto blamed the ODM party for taking advantage of the BBI for “personal gain” and to defend corrupt activities at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency over the Covid-19 funds misappropriation.
“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.
Today conference was meant to provide a trustworthy account of what the government set out to do since the pandemic that hit the country six months ago.
