Tuesday declared a public holiday for President-elect Ruto’s swearing-in

Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua who is chairing the Assumption of the Office of President Committee on Tuesday announced the holiday, noting that a gazettement will be issued later this week.

“The day of the wearing-in shall be a public holiday of general observance throughout the territory of the Republic of Kenya. The formal Gazette notice will be issued later in the week,” Dr Kinyua said.

He further noted that the swearing-in and handing over of power will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, between 10 am and 2 pm.

“The ceremony shall be held at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani,” he stated, adding: “As per the law, this must take place anytime between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm and thereafter the deputy president-elect will also be sworn in.”

Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi will administer the oath under the precedence of Chief Justice Martha Koome, after which Dr. Ruto’s deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, will also be sworn in.

“The president-elect shall take the oath of office as administered by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary before her ladyship the Chief Justice. ” said Kinyua.

“I have this morning shared a meeting with the Assumption of office of the President committee, the meeting was preceded by the decision of our nation’s apex court that upheld the declaration of William Ruto as president-elect.”

Led by CJ Martha Koome, the Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld the election of President-elect William Ruto in the August 9 polls, tossing out a petition by Raila Odinga who sought to annul Ruto’s win.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had thrown his weight behind Odinga as his preferred successor, thereafter committed to honouring the Supreme Court’s decision and oversee a smooth transition of power.

“Today, the Supreme Court made a decision on the presidential dispute upholding the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. In keeping to the pledge made to uphold the rule of law, I commit to executing the orders of this court to the letter,” the outgoing head of state said in a recorded video message.

Without mentioning William Ruto by name or referring to him directly throughout his seven-minutes-twenty-four-seconds speech, President Kenyatta said the Assumption of the Office of President Committee had already kicked off operations.

“Indeed, it is my intention to oversee a smooth transition to the next administration and all the necessary orders to facilitate this process have already been issued,” said Mr. Kenyatta.