The Supreme Court of Kenya on Monday upheld the election of Kenya Kwanza Presidential candidate William Ruto in the August 9 polls.
This is after it dismissed a petition filed by Ruto’s close opponent Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, who moved to court in a bid to challenge his (Ruto’s) victory.
The next move is now a change of guard where the outgoing President Kenyatta will hand over power to the President-elect Dr. Willliam Ruto.
This is a crucial stage in the country’s democracy because it involves change of policy and personnel.
According to the Assumption of the Office of President Act, this process begins as early as 30 days before an election is held.
An Assumption of the Office of President Committee is formed by the outgoing government to facilitate the process of power hand over.
The committee, now headed by Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua will organize a swearing-in ceremony which is slated for September 13 at a national arena that is yet to be communicated.
The inauguration day will be a national holiday to allow Kenyans to take part in the event.
The Tuesday event will take place between 10 am and 2 pm, although, the event’s grounds will be opened to the public as early as 6 am.
The president-elect and his deputy will be brought to the event by a presidential motorcade heavily guarded by a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers.
On their way to the event, the two incoming leaders will be briefed on the crucial aspects of the country such as government structures, intelligence, the state of the economy, and exact details of the swearing-in process.
The outgoing President Kenyatta will also avail himself for the ceremony which will now begin with a word of prayer and an entertainment session.
During the event, Dr. William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua will take an Oath of office before Chief Justice Martha Koome or Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.
President Kenyatta will thereafter hand over power tools to the leaders which includes the constitution and the Sword.
After the session, the new President will address the nation and also invite the outgoing President to deliver his speech.
Outgoing President Kenyatta after the ceremony will head to the state house to hand over the premise to President Ruto.