What to expect during today’s inauguration

The change of power today at Kasarani will involve handing over of the instruments of power, a ceremonial sword and a copy of the Constitution by the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.

As soon as the President-elect William Ruto receives the sword, President Kenyatta aide-de-camp Brigadier Timothy Stelu Kekolool will immediately change position and move behind President Uhuru, on the left side, to be handed over both the sword and the Constitution.

Lekolool, the first Navy officer to be appointed as an ADC in the country, was appointed by  President Kenyatta on July 18, 2018.

The ceremony will begin by President Uhuru Kenyatta first inspecting a Guard of Honour then the Judiciary Chief Registrar inviting President Ruto to the inauguration arena followed by the First Lady.

After signing the Oath of execution of duty, the Chief Justice signs and invites the outgoing President to the arena. The oath has to be administered no earlier than 10am and not later than 2pm

After taking oath, President Ruto will sign a certificate of inauguration in the presence of Chief Justice Martha Koome

As a procedure, they will shake hands and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi hands over the sword to President Kenyatta who will raise it briefly.

Immediately, the aide-de-camp will change position and move to the left side slightly behind President Ruto who after receiving the sword will hand over to him.

The ceremonial sword, made of stainless steel and a gold-plated blade, was first received by the founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta more than 50 years ago.

The same process is done with the Constitution. The handing over of the Constitution symbolizes the fact that Kenya is governed by the rule of law, and it is supposed to be the guide in the choices the incoming president makes.

According to the Assumption of the Office Act, the government is expected to establish the Assumption of the Office of President Committee to steer the process.

Also signifying the change of power and authority is the 21-gun salute. Worldwide, this salute is the highest and is accorded to the heads of state, especially during swearing-in ceremonies and while visiting foreign countries.After that, the deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will also take the oath of office followed by an inauguration speech to Kenyans by President Ruto

President Ruto is expected to come up with a presidential standard with a green and yellow colours with possibly the photo of a wheelbarrow.

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