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Raila to miss Ruto swearing-in says election results ‘unclear’
Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT & THE STAR KENYA | At least 20 Heads of State including President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda are expected in Kenya for today’s inauguration of president-elect William Ruto. Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Mozambique’s Filipe Nyusi are already in Nairobi.
According to the Principal Secretary in the Interior Ministry Karanja Kibicho, some 60,000 people will be allowed in the grounds to witness the swearing-in of the East African country’s new leader.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga will however miss the inauguration on Tuesday.
In a statement on Monday, Raila said he was invited to the event but unfortunately he will be away.
“I received a letter and a telephone call from Ruto inviting me to his inauguration set for tomorrow, September 13, 2022. I regret however that I will not be available for the inauguration because I am out of the country and I also have other serious concerns,” he said.
“First, I believe that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the body in charge of our elections, did not conduct a free and fair election.”
Why I won’t be available for William Ruto's inauguration. pic.twitter.com/ibD5g7WrPK
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 12, 2022
Raila said he believes that the ruling of the Supreme Court was not based on the facts and the law, even though they accepted it.
“For these reasons, the outcome of the election remains indeterminate. Once I return to the country, I will, jointly with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders, announce our next steps as we seek to deepen and strengthen our democracy,” he said.
“We can only do so if we reform and transform the key institutions that are charged with protecting and advancing our democracy.”
President set to pass sword and Constitution at swearing-in ceremony. https://t.co/4dVimgidwH
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) September 12, 2022
The former Prime Minister has not conceded defeat after alleging an elaborate rigging strategy in an election many predicted was his best chance.
Raila, nonetheless applauded and thanked his supporters and Kenyans who came out in large numbers to vote for Azimio on August 9, 2022.
Preparation for Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony of Ruto as Kenya’s fifth president have been completed.
Interior PS Karanja Kibicho who is a member of the Assumption of Office of the President Committee said on Monday the preparations are satisfactory.
“We are happy that the Assumption of Office Committee has been able to marshal this scale of preparedness within seven days and we are hopeful that we will have a colourful ceremony tomorrow,” he said.
Gates were opened as early as 4am and Kenyans were expected to be seated by 7am. https://t.co/BWDwsPVDVz
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) September 13, 2022
Kibicho revealed that members of the public will be allowed entry into the venue at the Moi International Sports Centre from as early as 4am when the gates will be opened.
He said 2,500 VIPs are also expected to grace the occasion at the 60,000 capacity stadium.
A VIP podium has been set aside for guests and visiting heads of states.
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SOURCE:Â THE STAR KENYAÂ
