‘Sword of power’ changes hands

President Uhuru Kenyatta displays a sword handed over to him by former President Mwai Kibaki after he was sworn-in as Head of State at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi. [Photo: Mbugua Kibera/Standard]

By Moses Michira and Nyambega Gisesa
Nairobi, Kenya: The ceremonial sword Mzee Jomo Kenyatta received 50 years ago was on Tuesday handed over to his son, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, marking the transfer of power and authority.
Former President Mwai Kibaki also handed over the Constitution to Uhuru, as part of the instruments of power as Chief of Kenyan Defence Forces Julius Karangi watched at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.

Kibaki watched the end of his reign as Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces as his white presidential standard was lowered on one pole as the navy-grey standard of the new commander was hoisted.
Immediately after receiving the instruments of power, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) welcomed the new president with the ceremonial 21-gun salute.
“The ceremonial sword and the 21-gun salute are symbols used for a long time to signify power and authority. The sword goes way back to the Japanese dynasty. We adopted the 21-gun-salute from the British,” KDF information officer Col Cyrus Oguna told The Standard.
The Constitution is handed over as a symbol that the country is governed by the rule of law, which is supposed to be the guide in the choices the President makes.
First order
Uhuru’s first order as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces on Tuesday was to command a break on the Guard of Honour that had been inspected by Kibaki before he handed over power.
The ceremonial sword, made of stainless steel handle and a gold-coated blade, is traditionally kept at the office of President in Harambee House, Nairobi.
Unlike on Tuesday where Kibaki ceded the instruments of power to President Kenyatta, his father Mzee Kenyatta never presided over a similar ceremony since he died in office on August 1978.
Former President Daniel Moi was given the instruments of power by the army upon assumption of office in 1978, having served as Mzee Kenyatta’s principal assistant and Vice-President.
 
The instruments of power in the Commonwealth traditions are largely symbolic of the seat of authority and the head of Government.
During war, military commanders carry a sword or walking stick to signify they are the ones who issue command. Stealing the sword can signify the defeat or weakening of the commander.
Deadly blow

For instance, it was a deadly blow to the American psyche when the British raided James Madison’s White House and took away the ceremonial sword in the 1880s before setting the presidential residence on fire.
The sword has also been used by leaders as a powerful gift. When King Hassan II, King of Morocco, visited the White House in 1963, he presented President JF Kennedy with a ceremonial sword and scabbard.
However, some leaders have declined to wear the ceremonial sword. Former American president Thomas Jefferson declined to wear a ceremonial sword because he did not want to appear Royalty. The ceremonial sword is supposed to be held in a certain way to avoid causing body harm.
There was a gaffe during the swearing-in of Malawi President Joyce Banda when she held the Presidential Sword in both her hands mainly on the side that has the blade risking being cut.
Kibaki had a mixed legacy during his ten-year reign as Commander-In-Chief.
The military grew to become a respected fighter force especially after the relatively successful Operation Linda Nchi.