Key opposition leaders including Azimio boss Raila Odinga have skipped this year's Madaraka Day national celebrations at Moi Stadium Embu. During Ruto's first national day fete on October 20, 2022 to mark Mashujaa Day, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was the only opposition leader who attended the celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. Days to the celebrations, Raila had left the country on October 16, 2022, and headed to India. Raila also skipped the Jamhuri Day fete on December 12, 2022, after jetting out of the country to the United States. This is Ruto's third time that he will be leading the country in marking National Day celebrations since he took office as President on September 13, 2022.

Source: Daily Nation June 01, 2023 08:39 UTC