Economy

Kenya in tight spot as Uhuru takes final oath

Uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) flanked by deputy president William Ruto (left). FILE PHOTO | AFP

More than 40 foreign delegations are expected in Nairobi this morning for the inauguration of Uhuru Kenyatta as president for the second and final term.

The swearing-in ceremony, which takes place at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will be witnessed by senior foreign dignitaries, including Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu.

“More than 43 delegations have confirmed attendance at President Kenyatta’s inauguration ceremony,” said Monica Juma, the Foreign Affairs principal secretary. Senior government officials yesterday strongly defended the decision to spend about Sh300 million on the one-day ceremony, saying the amount will also cater to the December 12 Jamhuri Day celebrations to held at the same venue.

The chairperson of the Assumption of office of the President Committee, Joseph Kinyua, revealed last Friday that the swearing-in ceremony will cost the taxpayer slightly more than Sh300 million.

Nairobi was however expecting a day of mixed fortunes that could have another round of deadly clashes between the Police and opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) supporters who are expected at the city’s Jacaranda grounds for what is billed as a prayer rally.

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Parallel meeting

Nasa have vowed to go ahead with the parallel public meeting in Nairobi’s Eastlands despite police warning that they will not allow it.

Similar stand-offs in recent weeks have culminated in deadly clashes that have left scores of opposition supporters dead or critically injured.

Yesterday, Dr Juma could not confirm the number of heads of state who will attend.

The list of dignitaries include Prince Amyn Aga Khan, who is representing His Highness the Aga Khan at the event.

Prince Amyn, the Aga Khan’s personal representative in Kenya, is also in the country for meetings of the Tourism Promotion Services, which operates the Serena Group of hotels, lodges and resorts.

Lungu

Zambian President Edgar Lungu arrives in Nairobi on November 27, 2017 for the inauguration. PHOTO | COURTESY | PSCU

Tanzanian President John Magufuli is also expected to attend the event which will see one of the largest gatherings of diplomats and senior foreign officials in Nairobi.

A number of national flags have been hoisted at the venue giving an indication that delegations from the represented countries might be in attendance.

Aside from Tanzania and Israel, flags hoisted at the venue include those of Uganda, Ethiopia, Lesotho, South Sudan, Botswana, China, Somalia, Rwandan, Djibouti and Zambia.

Desalegn

Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn arrives at JKIA ahead of Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration. PHOTO | COURTESY | PSCU

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Thousands

The Kasarani Stadium has a sitting capacity of 60,000.

Organisers expect more than 100,000 people at the stadium and have set up screens outside for the 40,000 who will not find space inside. Gates open at 4 a.m.

Seven other presidential candidates in the annulled August 8 poll and the October 26 re-run have been invited to the event alongside their running mates.

It is highly unlikely that National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga, Mr Kenyatta’s main competitor, will honour the invite as he will be attending a public event at Jacaranda grounds in Nairobi.

Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi will lead Mr Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto on taking the oath of office during the event.

The law demands that the oath should be administered to the President-elect by the Chief Registrar before the Chief Justice, or, in the absence of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, not earlier than 10 a.m. and not later than 2 p.m.

Individual motorists will not be allowed in the venue and even MPs will use common transport organised by Parliament.

The dignitaries will be hosted to a State luncheon after the swearing-in ceremony.