Karua Skips Ruto's Inauguration, Opts to Play Golf

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition presidential running mate Martha Karua skipped President Ruto’s swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

Karua, who has insisted that the August 9th presidential election was not free and fair, posted a photo on her Twitter page playing golf on Tuesday.

“My day so far,” she captioned the photo.

On Monday, Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga announced he would not attend the ceremony despite Ruto personally inviting him, saying he is out of the country and that he still holds “serious concerns” about the August 9th presidential election. 

“This evening, I received a letter and a telephone call from H.E Dr. William 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,” Odinga said in a statement on Monday.

Odinga, who is reported to have traveled to the United States, maintained that the electoral commission did not conduct a free and fair election and that he believes the Supreme Court ruling validating Ruto’s victory was not based on facts and the law, even though he accepted it.

"For these reasons, the outcome of the election remains indeterminate," said Odinga.

He promised to announce his next move once he returns to the country.

"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. We can only do so if we reform and transform the key institutions that are charged with protecting and advancing our democracy."

Ruto, 55, was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president at a ceremony held at Kasarani Stadium. He takes over from his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.