Inside Ruto's Sh200m transition to power

At the 60,000-seat Kasarani Stadium, inmates march in strict formation under the watchful eyes of prison warders in a dress rehearsal ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, which is just four days away.

With preparations in full swing, nothing is being left to chance and orders are executed with military precision. The Kenya Defence Forces is in charge of security operations, and soldiers pay keen attention during a briefing by their superiors.

"We should be done with these preparations by Saturday. Everything is going according to plan and we are confident the ceremony will go on without any hitches," said one serviceman yesterday.

The dais where Ruto and Gachagua will be inaugurated was being methodically assembled from tubular steel frames, while workers draped a barricade that separates the sitting area from the main arena in national flag colours.

The lush greenery of the grounds was a sight to behold, partially thanks to a downpour the previous night. The empty stands were also squeaky clean as they gazed at two gigantic screens set up on opposite sides of the stadium.

Wednesday's arrangements marked the third day of preparations following the green-light from the Supreme Court upholding the declaration of William Ruto as president-elect.

The military had conducted a simulation of the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in readiness for the main event on on September 13.

For seamless handover, officers from the Kenya Navy, Air Force and Army conducted rehearsals and even a mock exercise of how the Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi-who sits in the transition committee-will accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta to the podium and hand over the instruments of power to Ruto.

The servicemen also conducted marching parades, tested the audio-visual equipment, and hoisted the Kenyan flag. Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed toured the facility yesterday for a quick inspection before other government officials followed suit.

In line with tradition, Ruto and Gachagua will be sworn-in in an event that will take place between 10am and 2pm. The swearing-in programme is still being finalised by the Assumption of the Office of the President Committee led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

But if history is anything to go by, invited guests and members of the public are to be seated by 10am. Next to arrive will be heads of the Kenya Defence Forces followed by invited heads of state and governments.

Next to make their way to the dais will be General Kibochi, the Chief Justice, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary as well as Supreme Court judges.

The guard of honour will march into position followed by the arrival of Gachagua. Shortly after, Ruto will make his way into the stadium amid tight security. Moments later, President Kenyatta will be received by General Kibochi and escorted to the ceremonial Land Rover for his last lap, signalling his exit as Head of State.

After the National Anthem, Uhuru will inspect a guard of honour before taking his seat. The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary will then administer oaths of office to Ruto and Gachagua in the presence of the Chief Justice or her deputy.

Ruto will take two oaths; one pledging allegiance to the Constitution and the second being solemn affirmation of due execution of the Office of President. He will then sign the certificate of inauguration.

President Kenyatta will then hand over the instruments of power, including the ceremonial sword and a copy of the Constitution, to the new president.

The National Anthem will follow as Uhuru's presidential standard (flag) is lowered and Ruto's hoisted simultaneously.

A 21-gun salute will follow as Uhuru receives his flag from General Kibochi.