Inside Ruto's Ksh200 Million Swearing-In Ceremony

President-elect William Ruto's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, September 13 will cost taxpayers Ksh200 million.

The amount was allocated to the Assumption of Office Committee, according to the National Treasury. The Executive Office of the President (OP) was assigned the duty of helping the committee ensure a smooth transition of power.

The committee is led by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua alongside other top-ranking security officials. They include Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang'i, Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi and Director of National Intelligence Services Major General Philip Wachira Kameru, Inspector General of Police and Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi.

Earlier, the DP had nominated United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Veronica Maina, outgoing National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and Uasin Gishu Woman Representative-elect Gladys Shollei to join the committee in organising the national event.

Some of the Ksh200 million will go to decoration, logistics, suppliers and entertainment, among others.

"The primary role of the presidency is the organisation and coordination of government business. As part of his role, the Office of the President will be coordinating the transitional activities relating to the assumption of office of the new president after the 2002 General Election. 

“The allocation of Ksh200 million under the Executive Office of the President is provided for in the National Treasury for Assumption of Office activities,” read a pre-election economic and fiscal report.

According to Article 141 on the Assumption of the Office of the President, Ruto must be sworn in, seven days after the just-rendered verdict by the Supreme Court which upheld his victory over Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, during the August 9 general elections.

The Kinyua-led committee inspected the venue, Kasarani Stadium, hours after the verdict. It is expected that various leaders across the world in particular those from East Africa will grace the ceremony. 

Ruto is also set to hold a luncheon at his new residence, State House, where he will host the visiting heads of state. 

The Constitution of Kenya stipulates that the swearing-in ceremony of a new president should take place between 10 am and 2 pm, and the day is meant to be gazetted as a public holiday by the Ministry of Interior.