President William Ruto inspects first guard of honour in Parliament

President William Ruto's full motorcade inclusive of the limousine and outriders arrives at Parliament ahead of the joint address on Thursday 29th September 2022. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Upon arrival, the two were received by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, followed by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Robert Kibochi and service commanders from the Kenya Army, Kenya Navy and Kenya Airforce.

Present and ready for inspection was a guard of honour mounted by Kenya Air Force - Moi Air Base. This was the Commander-in-Chief's first assignment. President Ruto inspected the guard of honour, while marching to religious band tunes, a military mark of respect accorded to heads of state, before granting them orders to march off.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shares a moment with Chief of the Defence Forces Gen. Robert Kibochi. In the background are Service Commanders and other senior members of the Kenya Defence Forces. [Courtesy, Statehouse Kenya.]

Also present were; Prime Cabinet Secretary nominee Musalia Mudavadi, immediate former Speaker and Attorney General nominee Justin Muturi, former Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka.

Perhaps the most conspicuous guests were Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga and IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati who sat next to each other. Roots Party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah was equally present.

First Address of Parliament

The head of state's second job on Thursday was to officially open the 13th Parliament and address the joint houses of bicameral parliament.

President Ruto last appeared on the floor of the house in 2013, where he gave his last speech as then Eldoret North MP before the elections that year.

President William Ruto stands at attention before inspecting the Guard of Honour at Parliament. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]