Final touches ahead of Ruto’s big day

Preparations for the inauguration of President-Elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua slated for tomorrow are almost complete.

At the Kasarani Stadium complex where the ceremony will take place, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which is in charge of the event, was conducting last-minute preparations to ensure everything goes smoothly.

 A KDF officer who sought anonymity said they had taken charge of security to ensure everything is in order.

“We should be done with these preparations by tomorrow. Everything is going according to plan and we are confident the ceremony will go on without any hitches,” the soldier said.

At the stadium, officers drawn from Kenya Navy, Kenya Air force and Kenya Army were rehearsing just a day after members of the Judiciary conducted a simulation of the event, including a mock swearing-in of the President-Elect and his deputy.

To ensure a seamless handover exercise, the officers conducted a mock exercise of how Chief of the Defense Forces General Robert Kibochi – who sits in the Transition Committee- will accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta to the podium to hand over the instruments of power to Ruto.

Servicemen also conducted marching parades, tested audio-visual equipment and hoisted the Kenyan flag.

Top Government officials also toured the facility for a quick inspection. They, however, did not address the press.

Various choirs and artistes expected to entertain dignitaries, guests and Kenyans have already done their rehearsals and simulations.  Steel works for setting up of the main dais where Ruto and his deputy will take two oaths were ongoing while another team made sure barricades separating the sitting area from the arena were draped with the Kenyan flag.

Rehearsals came hours after US President Joe Biden announced the presidential delegation that will attend the event.

Delegation will be led by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Others listed are US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Texas Representative Colin Allred, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, US Department of State Mary Catherine Phee and Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, US Agency for International Development, Monde Muyangwa.

The Committee of Assumption of Office revealed that at least 20 Heads of State from across Africa are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

They include Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) Hassan Sheikh Muhamud (Somalia) among others.

Government officials

Committee said they are also expecting at least 2,500 VIPs, who will include senior Government officials from other nations across the region and beyond as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, a member of the Assumption Committee, said open invitations had also been sent out to Kenyans.

“We are expecting about 60,000 Kenyans on Tuesday. We will also have about 2,500 VIPs as well as 20 Heads of State from across Africa who will attend the swearing-in. President Uhuru Kenyatta will also be there physically to hand over,” Kibicho noted.

Yesterday’s arrangements marked the final day of preparations following the Supreme Court verdict that upheld the election of Ruto as the President-Elect.

In line with traditional practice, President-elect Ruto and his deputy will be inaugurated in the event that will take place between 10am and 2pm.

Invited Heads of State and Governments will arrive then pave way for the arrival of Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

Chief Justice, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Supreme Court judges will then make their way to the stadium.

Shortly after

Guard of honour will then march to position, which will be followed by arrival of Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua.

Shortly after, President-Elect William Ruto will then make his way to the stadium amid a heightened security detail.

Moments later, President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives and will be received by General Kibochi and escorted to the ceremonial land rover that he will use to enter the stadium and have his last lap signaling his exit as the Head of State.

 Immediately after the National Anthem, his Excellency Uhuru will inspect the Guard of Honour before taking his seat.  Chief Registrar of the Judiciary will then administer the oaths to Ruto and Gachagua in the presence of Chief Justice or her deputy.

Ruto will then take two oaths; one pledging allegiance to the Constitution and the second being the solemn affirmation of due execution of the Office of President. He will then sign the certificate of inauguration.

Uhuru Kenyatta will then hand over the Instruments of Power including the ceremonial sword and a copy of the constitution to the new president.

National anthem will follow as Uhuru’s flag will be lowered and Ruto’s hoisted simultaneously.

The 21-gun salute will follow and Uhuru handed his flag by Chief of the Defence Forces.

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