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President Jakaya Kikwete will be among heads of state from across Africa, led by the presidents of East African Community countries, expected to attend today’s swearing-in in Nairobi of Kenya’s President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.Mr Kenyatta will be sworn in as Kenya’s fourth president by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga at the Moi International Sports Centre in a colourful ceremony expected to be attended by thousands.
Other leaders who have confirmed their attendance include presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Pierre Nkurunziza (Burundi) and Salva Kiir (South Sudan), who was the first to arrive in Nairobi on Sunday.Other top dignitaries expected at the inauguration include the Deputy President of the Chinese Congress People’s Party, Mr Zhang Baowen.
“Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni will speak on behalf of all guests at the swearing-in,” said Mr Francis Kimemia, chairman of the event’s organising committee. President Museveni is the chairman of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Authority.
Mr Kimemia, who is also Head of Kenya’s Public Service, said many people were eager to be part of the historic ceremony.
“A lot of dignitaries want to watch Kenya’s historic moment. They want to know how we handled the process and we received many requests from people all over the country wanting to attend,” he said. “All African presidents have been invited and dignitaries across the world.”
Apart from heads of state from Africa, representatives of governments from across the world are also expected.
The ambassadors and high commissioners of Western powers such as the United States and Britain will represent their countries.
Mr Kenyatta, who is facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court, was elected despite pointed warnings by the US, UK and European Union that electoral choices will have “consequences”. It was widely speculated that they preferred Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who lost and contested the result at the Supreme Court.
The top brass of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord), whose presidential candidate was Mr Odinga, are in South Africa for a rest after the divisive March 4 General Election. It is not clear whether Mr Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula will be back in Nairobi for Mr Kenyatta’s inauguration.
On Sunday, a source who accompanied the Cord leaders to South Africa said they were not keen on attending the inauguration ceremony. “What they want is to have a rest, reflect and plan on their options for the future,” the source, who asked not to be named as he has no mandate to speak on the leaders’ plans, said.
The whole function could be clouded by controversy if reports by Sudanese newspapers that President Omar al-Bashir is coming prove to be accurate. President Bashir is wanted by the ICC and his attendance at the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010 generated wide debate. The ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against President Bashir on charges of war crimes committed in the Darfur conflict that broke out in 2003. Mr Kimemia said they had prepared for all the dignitaries coming in as and when they confirm their arrival.
Mr Kenyatta was yesterday briefed on the duties awaiting him at his new office at Harambee House in Nairobi.
He took over office from President Kibaki a day before his swearing-in ceremony. Mr Kimemia confirmed the briefing and said his office was assisting in the transition process.
“In a matter of hours, Mr Kenyatta will cease being the President-elect. He is taking over office to begin the dispensation of duties and pledges to Kenyans immediately he is sworn in,” said Mr Kimemia.
“The transition process has to proceed smoothly and handover of office is part of it,” he added.
Deputy President-elect William Ruto will take up his office at Shell BP House, opposite the office of the President, today, after which it will officially be renamed office of the deputy President.
The premises were previously occupied by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.The State is also planning a farewell party for the Prime Minister and outgoing-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka after today’s swearing-in ceremony.
After the ceremony and when the National Anthem is being played, President Kibaki’s standard, a special flag for the President, will be lowered and Mr Kenyatta’s hoisted.
Mr Kibaki will immediately join Mr Daniel Moi with the title of ‘retired President’.
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