President-elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua will take oath of office on Tuesday, September 13, the Assumption of Office of the President Committee has confirmed.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, who doubles up as the chairman of the transition committee, said the event will be held at the Kasarani National Stadium.
The day of the swearing-in will be a public holiday.
Kinyua spoke after chairing a meeting attended by a team of representatives from Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
“Today’s meeting featured representatives of the President-elect including Mr. Davis Chirchir, Hon. Justin Muturi, Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei and Ms. Veronica Maina,” Kinyua said.
“The swearing-in ceremony and inauguration of the new administration will be held in fidelity with article 141 of the constitution being the first Tuesday following yesterday’s decision by the Supreme Court upholding the declaration of IEBC.”
The oath of office shall be administered by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary before the Chief Justice.
The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed Raila Odinga’s petition challenging the election of Ruto as the country’s fifth president, paving way for his swearing-in.
In a judgement delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, the court ruled that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader was validly elected in the elections conducted on August 9.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati had, on August 15, 2022, declared that Ruto won the election with 7,176, 141 votes, which is 50.49% of the total votes cast against Raila’s 6, 942, 930 votes (48.85%).
Following the Supreme Court’s declaration, outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta assured the nation that the transition process will be smooth.
“It’s my intention to oversee a smooth transition to the next administration and all the necessary orders to facilitate this process have already been issued,” Uhuru stated adding that he wishes Ruto well as he prepares to assume the highest office in the land.
