Plans in top gear for Ruto's swearing-in

Mr Kinyua assured Kenyans that the handover process would be conducted in fidelity to the Constitution.

"In keeping with President Uhuru Kenyatta's firm commitment to facilitate a smooth transition to the incoming administration, I am pleased to notify the nation that I have chaired the meeting of the Assumption of the Office of President Committee," he said.

Kinyua said the swearing-in ceremony will be held on September 13, which has been gazetted as a public holiday. This is in line with the constitutional provisions that dictate that a president-elect is sworn in seven days after declaration and upholding of his/her win by the courts.

"The peaceful and orderly transition of administrations is a hallmark of our democracy. The mandate bestowed upon the committee is sacred and the burden of that responsibility is heavy. We are cognizant of the fact that we are called upon to exercise this mandate with fidelity to our laws," he said.

Shortly after the briefing, Ms Shollei, Mr Muturi, former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Dagoretti MP-elect John Kiarie headed to Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani to inspect the grounds where the swearing-in ceremony will be conducted.

Aside from facilitating the handing over by the outgoing president to the president-elect, the committee is expected to organise for the president-elect's security, the necessary facilities and personnel.

The committee is also expected to coordinate briefings of the president-elect by relevant public officers, facilitate communication between the outgoing president and the president-elect, prepare the programme and organise for the swearing-in ceremony, carry out any other activity necessary for the performance of its functions under the Act and perform any other function assigned to it under any other written law.

Ruto's security has already been upgraded and a team from the General Service Unit added to his detail at his official residence in Karen.

At the same time, the transition team called on Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation, to remain calm and maintain peace.

"With the presidential election cycle now behind us the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony is an opportunity for the nation to not only witness and usher our fifth administration but also celebrate the vibrancy of our constitutional processes which differentiate Kenya from so many other nations in Africa and beyond," Kinyua said.