Uhuru leaves Office of The President in personal car, no Presidential Standard as Ruto enjoys the trappings of power

Monday, October 6, 2014  BY LYDIA MATATA

MR PRESIDENT: Deputy President William Ruto leaves Harambee House in the presidential limousine after President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over presidency to him on Monday.Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE

 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta left the office of the President shortly after handing over power in a private vehicle minus an escort and  Presidential Standard (the official flag of the president.)

These were handed over to William Ruto after he officially became acting President ahead of Uhuru’s status conference at the Hague that is set to begin on Tuesday.

The Escort Commander also took over acting President William Ruto’s security just as the President’s communication unit announced via twitter  “We confirm that this is now the official Communication Twitter page of His Excellency, The President William Samoei Ruto.”

Following the handing over of power by Uhuru, Ruto also attended a briefing at his new residence at the Office of the President.

Uhuru invoked article 147(3) of the constitution appointing Deputy President William Ruto as acting President while he attends the ICC status conference at the Hague.

While addressing Parliament on Monday afternoon, Uhuru told shocked members that he will not put the sovereignty of Kenya into question by attending the Status Conference at The Hague as a sitting president.

"Let it not be said that I am attending the status conference as the President of Kenya," Uhuru told a shocked parliament.

He said "I chose not to put the sovereignty of more than 40 million Kenyans on trial since their democratic will should not be subject to another jurisdiction."

Leaders allied from the Jubilee coalition lauded the Uhuru’s move.

“Our president has shown true leadership and he's a Statesman who believes in rule of law and has interest of Kenyans at heart, ” Majority Leader Aden Duale said in a statement.

“The people of Kenya are behind you M. President” Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko said via his twitter handle.

Those in the opposition suggested that Uhuru’s case should have been perceived as a personal matter.

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua congratulated the former President terming it a bold move while also pointing out that his address is “what amounts to a personal statement”

Kakamega county Senator Bonny Khalwale said, “Finally, President Uhuru reiterates what I have constantly advised Kenyans that ICC was a private personal matter. ”