Raila Flies Out Of Kenya, Skips Ruto’s Swearing In

Raila, in a statement on Monday evening, September 12 acknowledged that he had received an invite and phone call from Ruto inviting him to the highly-anticipated ceremony.

Raila Flies Out Of Kenya, Skips Ruto’s Swearing In
Raila Odinga and President-elect William Ruto. /VIRALTEAKE

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of president-elect William Ruto on Tuesday, September 13 at Kasarani Stadium.

Raila, in a statement on Monday evening, September 12 acknowledged that he had received an invite and phone call from Ruto inviting him to the highly-anticipated ceremony.

However, he regrettably stated that he would not be available to attend as he is out of the country and also engaged in other serious matters.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga during the coalition's National Delegates Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on March 12, 2022. /PSCU

"This evening, I received a letter and a telephone call from H.E Dr William Ruto inviting me to his inauguration set for tomorrow, September 13, 2022. I regret however that I will not be available for the inauguration because I am out of the country and I also have other serious concerns," read the statement in part.

Odinga affirmed his previous position that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) did not conduct a free and fair election.

He also questioned the ruling of the Supreme Court upholding Ruto's election, saying that it "was not based on the facts and the law, even though we accepted it."

"For these reasons, the outcome of the election remains indeterminate," said Odinga after he lost to Ruto in the hotly-contested race.

The former prime minister went on to state that he will announce his next move once he returns to the country.

"Once I return to the country, I will, jointly with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders, announce our next steps as we seek to deepen and strengthen our democracy," he said.

"We can only do so if we reform and transform the key institutions that are charged with protecting and advancing our democracy."

Raila's handshake partner, outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the Azimio council, will however be in attendance at Kasarani, stating that he will hand over the instruments of power to his successor, Ruto, on the material day.

"Tomorrow, I will emulate that honoured tradition and hand over the mantle to my successor Dr William Samoei Ruto. In my service to you, I was supported by the Cabinet, and Principal Secretaries. Most importantly, you the people of Kenya walked with me all step of the way," he addressed the nation on the same day he hosted Ruto at State House.

"This afternoon, I hosted the incoming President here at State House. The transition process commenced on 12th August and the doors of State have been open to the technical teams from the office of the President-elect to facilitate a smooth transition."

Uhuru termed the inauguration at Kasarani as the last step in a hotly-contested electioneering period.

“Tomorrow’s inauguration, the last step in a process of electioneering, is a moment for us to come together as one people to pursue the promise of Kenya as destined by God,” the President said.

The State House handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and President-elect, William Ruto. /PSCU