Nairobi, May 2 -- Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, a vocal advocate of workers' rights in the country for decades, was out of his element on Wednesday at the 59th Labour Day celebrations.

Some have suggested his speech could have well passed for a government apologist.

Perhaps he wasn't expecting the presidential duo.

Read: Centre refuses to hold for long-serving Cotu chief Francis Atwoli

Initially, President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua had not confirmed their attendance by the end of Tuesday as they were travelling around the country assessing the damage caused by the floods.

However, the DP arrived at the venue a few minutes before 10am, ahead of the presidential motorcade.

President Ruto was dressed in a pu...