Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu Mwende on Monday, December 13, refuted claims that she was snubbed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handlers during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Sunday.
Kananu noted that such claims are meant to portray non-existent friction between her and President Uhuru Kenyatta and she will not be drawn into them. According to her, the claims are distractions that are meant to take away her focus on serving the people of Nairobi.
"I wish to urge those trying to drive a wedge between the President and me to desist forthwith. My focus and dedication remains committed to serving the people of Nairobi and no amount of distractions will deter my determination," she said in a press release.
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Her statement came a day after claims emerged that President Uhuru and his handlers ignored her at the celebration of the Jamhuri Day at Uhuru Gardens despite being the host governor.
In the programme, Kananu was set to address the nation as the Nairobi County Chief but she was not allowed to speak or to invite key guests. This is contrary to previous occasions where the host governors are allowed to address their people and invite key speakers at the event.
Kananu has, however, noted that she was not allowed to speak at the event due to the time factor which she claims was limited.
"The Jamhuri Day celebration and the Trooping of the colour by the Battalion of The Kenya Rifles is an event that is managed intricately with extreme caution and precision. Time management becomes a key factor to its success and therefore the program is adjusted accordingly like was the case yesterday (Sunday) for my remarks," she explained.
Kananu further explained that she did not attend the Garden party at State House after the event due to medical reasons.
She said that she had not been feeling well in the last few days, therefore, she needed to take a rest as advised by the doctor immediately after the celebrations.
"Let it be known that I enjoy an excellent and cordial working relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta. It was a great honour to share the ceremony with him and the people of Nairobi as it was also my very first national event since my swearing-in as Governor of Nairobi City County," she added.
