Muted activity in Nairobi as Kindiki sworn-in

 Deputy President Kithure Kindiki after taking oath of office at KICC, Nairobi, on November 1, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Nairobi witnessed muted activity as the country's new Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, was sworn into office. 

The Thursday evening declaration of a public holiday caught many flat-footed but those who streamed into the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) welcomed the chance to witness the coronation of the nation's third DP.

City Hall Way which cuts across Nairobi's seat of power and the iconic KICC was by far the busiest street in the city centre. 

Thousands lined up eager to access the venue for Kindiki's swearing in. Many others accessed KICC even as the oath taking was ongoing as they scrambled to get a glimpse of the main podium. 

Margaret Mwawana, while patiently waiting to be ushered in through the tight security check at the entrance of KICC, said she was inspired by the desire to witness the swearing in of a new DP. 

"It's good to accept the change and hope for a better future," she said, urging the new DP to help the President William Ruto deliver on his promises including providing employment to the youths. 

Other streets were largely empty with most parking lots recording low numbers of vehicles as opposed to the ever congested city. 

A few businesses opened despite the low number of customers.

"Our businesses are interrupted save for low streaming of customers," said a textile trader who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity.

Majority of the traders, however, expressed mixed reactions over their expectations from Prof Kindiki. 

Joseph Karanja, a bodaboda rider operating within the CBD said he "doubts there will be significant changes economically" even as he hoped that the Kenya Kwanza administration will now settle to address matters of public concern. 

"Business is still low since the Kenya Kwanza administration assumed office but we remain optimistic," he said.

"If Kindiki is the right person for the position, let them work harmoniously with the President to work for the people," he added. 

Some traders like Maina Kamanda expect the status quo to maintain even as he expressed hope for the future.  

"I don't think a lot will change since it is the same government but we hope the country will stabilise," he said, noting that the swearing in of Kindiki presented a "new dawn."

Unexpectedly, there was low police deployment within the CBD save for City Hall that saw heavy police presence to control the masses that streamed into KICC. 

Police were deployed along Kenyatta Avenue, the epicentre of the recent Gen Z protests.