All set for Ruto swearing-in at Kasarani stadium

Preparations at the 60,000-Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani Stadium were finalised yesterday evening ahead of tiday’s he swearing-in of President-elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho said the Assumption of Office of the President was satisfied with the preparations and are ready to host the swearing-in.

“We have had our last meeting to tick boxes. We are satisfied that we are ready for tomorrow (today). We are only now waiting for the rehearsal for entertainment and putting of the flowers,” said Kibicho.

Kibicho reiterated that more than 20 Heads of State had confirmed their attendance and some 2,500 VIPs would grace today’s occasion.

He said that although the official programme should begin at 10.30am, the facility would be opened to the public by 4am.

Kibicho noted that his team expects the 60, 000-capacity Kasarani stadium to be filled to the brim and advised Kenyans who will attend physically to be seated by 7.00am.

“We are expecting 60,000 people who require no invitation to attend. We will have at least 2,500 VIPs and more than 20 Heads of State will attend. We will open the stadium at 4am for the public to be screened so that they are seated by 8am,” he said.

“All the protocols associated with the visiting Heads of State leading by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are already making plans,” Kibicho said.

While thanking the Assumption of Office, Kibicho said that they managed to complete the preparations within seven days following the Supreme Court verdict that upheld Ruto’s presidential win.

An overflow space has already been created where huge television screens have been mounted to accommodate persons who will not have access inside the stadium.

The gates at the venue will be opened at 4.00am, with Kibicho assuring that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure there will be no hitches.

Kibicho said at least 10, 000 police officers have been deployed at the venue to “ensure law, order and that everybody is safe.”

Kibicho, at the same time, assured that all is set for the day, noting that the committee “is satisfied with the preparations and we have no doubt that we will have a colorful event.”

The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) yesterday continued with their last-minute rehearsals in a bid to mount a seamless ceremony of the swearing-in.

The soldiers took the better part of the morning going through the rigors of marching and to be in sync with the Kenya Army band.

The Judiciary also took the stage to perform a mock swearing-in as would be done this morning.

Ruto will assume office by taking and subscribing to the oath or affirmation of allegiance and the oath or affirmation for the execution of the functions of the office, as prescribed in the Third Schedule.

The oath of office will be administered by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi and witnessed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

By law, the ceremony is set to take place between 10:00am and not later than 2:00pm.