DP: Unity sign of mature democracy

Deputy President William Ruto has praised the country's maturing democracy, citing the presence of Opposition leaders at yesterday's Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Mr Ruto, who has seemingly been skeptical about the March 9 'handshake' between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, praised their competitors in the last polls for gracing the occasion.

The DP said the presence of Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) at the 55th Jamhuri Day fete was a sign that democracy had matured in Kenya.

The DP’s allies have in the recent past openly expressed reservations over the new-found Uhuru-Raila relationship.

Early this month, Ruto said he would not allow opponents to divide Jubilee Party even as his allies questioned role of the 'handshake in the political set up.

Ruto had fired salvos at opposition leaders he accused of undermining him just a year after the General Election.

The DP has often restrained himself from directly attacking Raila since the March 9 'handshake', but while on a tour of Tharaka Nithi County, he warned that "I will run over whoever will stand on my way."

In October, this year, Ruto warned Raila not to politicise the war on graft.  

But yesterday, Ruto took a re-conciliatory tone, pouring praises on working relations with the Opposition to transform the country.

Unlike last year when the turnout was very low, the stands at Nyayo Stadium, the venue for the commemoration, were full even before the guests arrived.