Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki on Saturday hit out at Opposition Leader Raila Odinga over a plan to swear himself in of as president of Kenya during Jamhuri day.
Speaking after attending a funeral in South Imenti constituency, the Senate Deputy Speaker noted that Mr Odinga's ceremony was a waste of time since it would not be legally recognised.
The Senator further noted that it is only Chief Justice David Maraga who is mandated by the constitution to swear-in presidents adding that he did not see the CJ attending any other inauguration ceremony until 2022.
[caption caption="Senator Kindiki addressing the media at South Imenti constituency on Saturday"]
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"I don’t think the chief justice will entertain any other ceremony other than swearing in of the fifth president which will be done in 2022," Kindiki was quoted by the Star.
The former Majority Leader in the Senate noted that the political season had ended and called on the Opposition leaders to engage in their oversight role.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and Chief Justice David Maraga during the swearing-in ceremony last Tuesday"]
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Responding to questions as to whether Mr Odinga will swear himself in Kithure stated that, "I do not think somebody the former prime minister's stature can engage in a treasonable offence. I will be very surprised.
"Raila has been in politics for a very long time. He is one person who campaigned hard for the new constitution. He will end up very badly if he violates the same," the Senator submitted.
He further noted that since President Uhuru Kenyatta had already begun his second term, Kenyans should focus on coming together and embracing each other.
The Senator made the remarks even as Mr Odinga's team sent out invitations for the planned inauguration.
The digital invitation cards were sent out appended with the former Prime Minister's name, but they do not indicate the venue of the event.
“You are invited. Come witness the swearing-in of the peoples’ president Raila Amollo Odinga on 12th December at 12 noon. Location to be communicated after vetting of RSVP,” the card read.
