Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday morning made the first address to the nation since the invasion of COVID-19 disease in the country.
Speaking from his Karen home, Ruto noted that despite his silence on this national matter, he is always i frequent consultations with President Uhuru.
In order to clear the air on his mandate during this hard time, Ruto noted he has no mandate to comment on Coronavirus.
According to him, he made an agreement with the president that all the COVID-19 briefings will be done at State House.
In his address, Ruto compared the current pandemic to the biblical suffering of Jesus Christ that is commemorated during the Easter Season.
He noted that this year’s Easter season is going to be a difficult one but then Kenyans should consider their hope in Jesus Christ.
The DP also insisted on the necessity of Kenyans to follow the measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to combat the spread of the disease.
“Defeating #COVID19 does not require a nuclear bomb or a mighty army. It requires simple hygiene.”
“Every Kenyan should go an extra mile and ensure their family and friends adhere to the safety measures… let us be our brother’s keeper…” Said Ruto
“Our current situation has brought us its share of tribulation and heartbreaks, but what a better time for us to consider our blessed hope in our almighty God for the assured victory ahead…” – William Ruto, Deputy President pic.twitter.com/lopciNX4NJ
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) April 9, 2020
Ruto’s address comes after an uproar from members of the public. Kenyans questioned the whereabouts of the deity president who has been numb about the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
However, his address received criticism from a section of his opponents even before it began.
Earlier on, ODM’s Communication officer Philip Etale stated that Ruto’s address was not necessary as President Uhuru had already addressed the nation.
The only person mandated by law to ADDRESS THE NATION is the PRESIDENT. Other people can only address a media conference and field questions. In any case, the Head of State already addressed the Nation & issued guidelines regarding the war on Coronavirus. Ama namna gani… pic.twitter.com/zVAY4zD8Er
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) April 9, 2020