By Our Reporter
Nairobi (Kenya) — “I Raila Amolo Odinga in full realisation of the high calling to assume the office of the people’s president of the Republic of Kenya, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the people and the Republic of Kenya; that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Kenya, as by law established, and all other laws of the Republic as adopted by the people of Kenya; that I will protect and uphold sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya. So help me God.”
these were the words of Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga, when he took a symbolic presidential oath of office holding the Bible in front of thousands of supporters on Tuesday in what can be described as direct challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s rule.
Odinga says he, and not President Uhuru Kenyatta, is the country’s rightful leader.
He lost the country’s presidential election held on Aug. 8, which was nullified by the Supreme Court. He boycotted a repeat poll on Oct. 25, saying it would not be free and fair.
The controversial oath was administered by Ruaraka Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang and former Raila aide Miguna Miguna.
His deputy Kalonzo Musyoka was absent, Odinga explained that, “Kalonzo is still with us, he will be sworn in later due to reasons that you will be informed on a later day,” Raila explained.
Allegations of vote-rigging was rife, leading many citizens scared of ethnic clashes similar to what obtained a decade ago.
Though Kenya’s last election in 2013 was mainly peaceful, the country plunged into widespread violence in the aftermath of the 2007 vote.
In 2017, over 1,000 people were killed in clashes following the 2007 election after Odinga –defeated by then – President Mwai Kibaki — claimed the vote was rigged.
Kenyan police had fired teargas in the morning when thousands of opposition supporters started gathering in Nairobi to celebrate the planned swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga
Hours after he was ‘sworn-in’ as ‘people’s president’, NASA, leader Raila Odinga took to Twitter to acknowledge those who have supported him.
“I wish to thank the people of Kenya for the mandate they have given us and for their steadfast confidence in us.
“You came from all corners of the republic to witness my inauguration and it was good to see you out in millions,” he posted on Twitter on Tuesday evening.
“Most of all I thank the good Lord, my family and all those who have undertaken this journey with us.
“We have arrived in Canaan; thank you for staying the course with us. Asanteni sana.” he tweeted.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/10/26/news/what-next-for-kenya/
