NGO Council Tells Raila to Abandon His Planned Swearing-in

The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) council has urged opposition leader Raila Odinga to abandon his plan to be sworn-in as president.

In a statement, NGO council chairperson Stephen Cheboi instead called on the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader to reach out to President Kenyatta for dialogue on how to move the country forward.

“A united Kenyan nation is very important for us all East Africa region and the Africa continent at large,” Cheboi said.

President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto took Oath of Office for their second term on Tuesday at a ceremony held at Kasarani Stadium.

Odinga, who pulled out of the October 26th repeat presidential race ,has vowed not to recognize Uhuru as president and has announced his swearing in in two weeks time.

“Uhuru Kenyatta is not the president of Kenya. We do not recognise the October 28 election, that was a fake election. 83% of the population boycotted the election,” he said on Tuesday.

"I am not a coward, I will be sworn as president on Jamhuri Day, I am the legitimate president," said Raila.

Cheboi has however urged Odinga to shelve the plan, arguing that its time to allow the country to heal after a prolonged and divisive political period.

“All Kenyans should note that we can only have one president at a time and for now the office is occupied based on the recent processes,” he said.

“We urge the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta to immediately settle down and start implementing their manifesto,” he said on Thursday.