Ruto Will Be Sworn in With or Without You, Gachagua Tells President Uhuru

Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua has told off President Kenyatta over his refusal to congratulate President-elect William Ruto following his victory.

While insisting that they will not force him to congratulate Ruto, Gachagua stated that the swearing-in of the president-elect will go on with or without Kenyatta’s attendance as all that is required is the presence of the Chief Justice and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, who will preside over the oath-taking ceremony. 

“Up to now, President Kenyatta hasn't spoken to President-elect Ruto either through phone call or any other means. It is his right because we cannot force him. If he doesn't want to congratulate the president-elect, it is okay...but plans for William Ruto to take over leadership of the country is going on smoothly since it is in the Constitution,” Gachagua said during an interview on Kass TV.

Gachagua noted that the military procession and handing over of the sword are just ceremonial and do not require the presence of President Kenyatta. 

“Even the military process of handing over the sword is ceremonial, and it is not in the Constitution. What is in the Constitution is the Chief Justice and Chief Registrar of Judiciary. Only these two people are needed then it takes place in an open field two weeks after the declaration; and be between 10am and 2pm. That’s what is in the Constitution,” he added.

He indicated that the Assumption of Office Transition Committee has already activated its work as far as swearing-in ceremony is concerned and urged Kenyatta to be a gentleman and hand over power the same way his predecessor Mwai Kibaki did.

“It is our prayer that President Uhuru Kenyatta whom we have worked together for 10 years, it would be good for him to be a gentleman, democratic, respect people's decision, attend the ceremony, hand over the sword and bid Kenyans goodbye,” said Gachagua.

“Even on the day we'll go to Kasarani, if President Uhuru Kenyatta will come, we'll be grateful and we'll be happy but if he doesn't come, the swearing-in will go on because he has no powers legally to hand over power to William Ruto. In America, Donald Trump didn't turn up for the inauguration of the current President Joe Biden.”