Thousands of Kenyans flocked to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Friday, November 1, to witness the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki will be inaugurated as Kenya’s third deputy president, following yesterday's High Court ruling that lifted conservatory orders barring his assumption of office.
Security has been heightened at the KICC grounds as the ceremony proceeds.
According to a gazette notice by Mercy Wanjau, chairperson of the Assumption of Office of the Deputy President Committee, Kindiki is expected to take the oath any time from 10 am.
Dignitaries and political leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho and Opiyo Wandayi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, several governors, senators, MPs, ambassadors, and high commissioners, have already arrived at the venue.
President William Ruto arrived minutes past 10 am, having returned to the country from Burundi. Ruto was in the company of First Lady Rachel.
What to Expect:
Kindiki will officially assume office by taking an oath.
Article 148 of the Constitution mandates that “the swearing-in of the Deputy President-elect shall be conducted by the Chief Justice or, in the Chief Justice’s absence, the Deputy Chief Justice, and in public.”
The Deputy President-elect assumes office by taking an oath or affirmation of allegiance and for the execution of office functions, as prescribed in the Third Schedule.
Kindiki’s instruments of power will be defined by the Constitution.
Until he was nominated DP following Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment, Kindiki served as the Interior CS.