Uhuru Speaks On Power Handover After Ruto's Election Victory 

President Uhuru Kenyatta from a distant centre and members of clergy at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta from a distant centre and members of clergy at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
Facebook

President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke for the first time on power transition after the just concluded general election.

According to the outgoing Head of State, he wants to see a peaceful nation when he hands over power to his successor as he exits the stage after serving his second and final term.

The president, who chairs the Azimio coalition Council, is yet to congratulate his outgoing deputy who beat the coalition's leader Raila Odinga in the August.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (Right) with members of clergy at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (Right) with members of clergy at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
Facebook

"Kenya will remain steadfast in entrenching the principles of good governance to ensure the country upholds its position of a shining example of democracy in the continent by maintaining peace during this transition period," President Kenyatta stated when he met members of the clergy at State House, Nairobi.

The President thanked the religious leaders for their support and assured them that the process of transition will be smooth - a dispatch from State House further read.

The clergy present during the meeting were Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri, Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and the Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Hassan Ole Naado.

Others included Sheikh Yusuf Nasur Maki, Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Bishop Emeritus David Oginde, Bishop Emeritus Silas Yego, Bishop Robert Langat, Canon Chris Kinyanjui and Father Ferdinard Lugonzo.

"The religious leaders expressed gratitude to the Head of State for working towards a united Kenya by creating a path of inclusivity for all Kenyans."

Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua had earlier slammed the President for remaining mum on Ruto's win. He challenged Uhuru to come out of hiding and address Kenyans for the sake of peace.

"Even if he does not handover power, there is a committee that has been delegated the job. Trump did not show up during Biden's inauguration ceremony but the handover process went on. We only need Chief Justice and Registrar of the High Court to effect the handover," Gachagua added.

Legal steps require for the president-elect to take an oath of allegiance to the constitution, administered by the Kenyan Chief Justice within 14 days of Monday’s announcement.

This might, however, be a long road home as Azimio team said it was exploring all legal measures for a Supreme Court battle to challenge Ruto's win.

The Supreme Court led by CJ Martha Koome will hear and decide the case within 14 days after filing. The decision of the apex court will be final and binding.

If the petition is thrown out, the swearing-in ceremony shall proceed on the first Tuesday, 14 days after Monday’s announcement of results.

Should the Court annul Ruto's win, a gazette  notice which recognised him as President-elect shall be withdrawn and a fresh election will then be held within 60 days after the decision.

This would mean President Kenyatta will hold still on the presidency until November under temporary incumbency.

Apart from calling for fresh elections or upholding the vote outcome, the Court could also order recount of the presidential votes after 4 IEBC commissioners disowned the results, citing discrepancies towards the end of the tallying process.

Supreme Court judges, from left: Justices Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (DCJ), Martha Koome (CJ), Ibrahim Mohammed, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko outside the apex court premises on Thursday, March 31, 2022
Supreme Court judges, from left: Justices Isaac Lenaola, Smokin Wanjala, Philomena Mwilu (DCJ), Martha Koome (CJ), Ibrahim Mohammed, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko outside the apex court premises.
Photo
Judiciary