The government of Kenya has declared next Tuesday, September 13 a public holiday for the inauguration of President-Elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking at a press conference, the Assumptions of Office Committee headed by head of public Service Joseph Kinyua stated that the oath of office will be administered by the Registrar of Judiciary in the presence of the Chief Justice.
Kinyua said the ceremony will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
“The date of swearing in will be a public holiday of general observance throughout the territory of the republic,” Kinyua stated.
According to the law, the swearing in ceremony must take place any time between the hours of 10.00am and 02.00pm. Ruto will be the first to be sworn in, followed by Gachagua.
Kinyua said the swearing in ceremony is an opportunity for the county to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of Constitution 2010 and the country’s democratic process.
He also called on Kenyans to join hands as the country transitions into the fifth administration, so as to continue building the country.
“For that reason, the eyes of Africa and indeed the rest of the world will be on Kenya on that day. In that regard Kenyans are invited to be part of this historic event,” he said.
Soon after, Odinga tweeted that he would respect the ruling even though he disagreed with it, easing fears that Kenya would see any repeat of the violence that followed disputed votes in 2007 and 2017.
Several public figures and anti-corruption campaigners, including some who had backed Odinga, welcomed the judgment, saying it bolstered the court’s reputation for independence.
