Kenya's historic moment as Uhuru sworn in, opens a new chapter

By Moses Njagih
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya opens a new chapter today as President Kibaki hands over the reigns of power to Mr Uhuru Kenyatta alongside the grand title of Commander-in-Chief of Kenya Defence Forces.
It will be the second time Kenyans will be witnessing an outgoing President hand over to a new leader, the fi rst such power transfer having taken place in 2002 as Kibaki took over from retired President Moi.

However, Moi took over from fi rst President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, under different circumstance since the Founding Father died in offi ce, and the second President fi rst took over on an acting capacity for 90 days since he was the Vice President.

Jomo Kenyatta, under different circumstance since the founding father died in office, and the second President first took over on an acting capacity for 90 days since he was the Vice-President.
Uhuru is the son of Mzee Kenyatta who reigned between 1963-1978 after which Moi took over and led Kenya until 2002, when Kibaki came in and secured a second term under controversial circumstances in 2007.
Apart from welcoming a new President, the fourth since Kenya’s independence, Kenyans will also be feting Kibaki who retires after 50 years in politics, ten of which he served as President.
The day will also mark a generational change, where for the first time the incoming President and his deputy will be assuming power at the age of 52 and below.
Kibaki hands over to Uhuru at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the ceremony is set to be witnessed by 25 out of the invited 54 African Heads of States invited who either confirmed attendance or representation.
Curiously, according to the list of guests circulated by the Government Monday, none of Western Europe’s states and America too, has indicated it will be represented, even at the diplomatic level.
At the centre of this cold reception to Uhuru’s presidency is the fact that the new President and his deputy Mr William Ruto, both face crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). 
Also expected to attend is Sudan leader Omar al-Bashir, who is also facing serious international crimes charges at The Hague, despite having a warrant of arrest hanging over his head.

However, last evening Government Spokesman Muthui Kariuki strove to defuse the diplomatic tensions that could be set off by Kenya hosting an ICC indictee, saying the Sudanese leader, “will not be attending today’s ceremony as President”.
Guard of honour
What was not clear was whether this meant he will not be accorded the red carpet and militarily ceremonial Guard-of-Honour reserved for visiting Heads of States. The statement was also silent on who will receive him at the airport on landing and if Kenya’s military band will play Sudan’s National Anthem.

Museveni, who will play a key role at the function, speaking on behalf of the invited leaders, was among those who were expected later Monday. He chose to travel by road from Kampala.
Kibaki’s tenure alongside that of Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the Grand Coalition Government that has ruled the country in the last five years, will also come to an end today, signaling the start of another regime.
Raila will not be present to witness the change of guard as he is in South Africa together with his two senior colleagues of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy; outgoing Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula.
Kibaki’s ending political career commenced in 1960 when he quit lecturing at Makerere University to become Kanu’s Executive Officer. After the swearing, Kibaki will leave for State House to wait for the incoming leader and next tenant of the house on the hill.
In preparation for his take-over, Uhuru was Monday taken through official briefing at Harambee House.  Ruto will take over former PM’s office at Shell-BP House.
Uhuru will take over after serving a month in transition since his declaration on March 9 by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as the winner of the March 4 race.
Transition period
The transition period was created under the Constitution to allow room for dispensation of any election petitions. This is the hurdle that Uhuru had to overcome before the Supreme Court upheld his victory on March 30.   Uhuru will take the oath of office before signing the Certificate of Inauguration, then receive from Kibaki the instruments of power — a ceremonial sword for his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces and a copy of the Constitution — a move that will see the automatic transfer of power. 
“It is that signing of the certificate (of inauguration) that confirms that he is now the Head of State,” explained Judiciary’s Chief Registrar, Mrs Gladys Shollei, who will administer the oath, Monday.
She added: “After the oaths are administered and signed before the Chief Justice, the signing of the certificate of inauguration and the handing over of the instruments of power, the Judiciary will have completed its work and its members will leave the dais,” she added.
Plans were complete for the swearing-in ceremony Monday, with a number of Heads of States and Governments arriving in the country to witness the change of guard.
Kimemia said that to ease congestion and traffic snarl up, the committee had organised pool transport system for dignitaries, who will be picked from designated areas.

Members of the Senate and National Assembly will be picked by buses from Continental House, the Judges from the Supreme Court grounds while members of the constitutional commissions will board their vans at the Comesa Grounds, which is inside Kenyatta International