Tharaka Nithi Deputy County Commissioner George Otieno declines to read speech before President Uhuru’s

A public administrator in Tharaka Nithi declined to read the President’s Jamuhuri Day’s speech before President Uhuru Kenyatta was through with his speech in Nairobi, prompting extension of the celebrations by two hours.

Deputy County Commissioner George Otieno, who read the speech on behalf of the area County Commissioner, insisted protocol had to be followed.

The organisers had to slot in entertainment to buy time for the President to start giving his speech.

Residents who attended the function started murmuring and complaining, with most saying the delay was a waste of their time. “Is this really necessary? If the function started early shouldn’t it end as planned?” asked one resident.

The function ended at 4pm, two hours after the scheduled time.

However, Democratic Governance Expert Isaac Otieno said the DC was ignorant of the law.

According to Otieno, the law does say that during state functions the President’s speech is to be read in all 47 counties, but there is no specific time for the speech to be read.

Otieno says the law does not state when state functions should start and end.

“The official acted without the knowledge of the law and considering the national function took longer than usual, it was common sense to follow the normal programme in the county,” he said.