William Ruto takes the oath of office as the fifth President of Kenya on September 13, 2022.
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- Besides at the back of his mind, he knew the work of judiciary was critical. He therefore appointed the six judges who had been promoted to the Court of Appeal and Environment Court. His first business the following was swearing them in.
- As judges, you play a vital role in administration of justice. My government want you continue undertaking the mandate bestowed on you by the constitution without fear or favor.
- The Hustler Nation Fund will also be set up soon. The details of how the loan will be accessed by Saccos, Chamas and other organized groups will be released. These were some of directives the new president gave moment after being sworn-in.
I followed with the keen interest all events that marked the swearing-in of William Samoei Ruto as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya. It was a colorful ceremony that was graced by 20 heads of state.
It will remain etched in the minds of Kenyans for many years to come because of following reasons. First, a son of peasant is occupying the highest seat in the land and, secondly, he is the first sitting Deputy President ascends to the helm of power through a popular vote.
This is after overcoming all the odds and hurdles placed in his way by his competitors. While hitting out at his rivals whom he termed as puppets and projects of the outgoing government, Dr Ruto used to remind Kenyans. We want to change the leadership of our country by sending home a handful of rich families which have dominated politics since independence. A village boy can also become a president and run this country better than these families
This has now come to pass. The new President knew the task ahead is not easy and, as a result, he had no time for the honeymoon. He started working immediately after being sworn-in. During the campaigns, he had flagged off a raft of long and short term election pledges.
He wasted no time in issuing the presidential directives on how to implement those he promised to roll-out within 100 days of his administration.
The farmers were among the biggest beneficiaries. While taking note of the fact Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, the new President announced the scaling down of prices of fertilizers from Sh6,500 to Sh3,500.
Besides at the back of his mind, he knew the work of judiciary was critical. He therefore appointed the six judges who had been promoted to the Court of Appeal and Environment Court. His first business the following was swearing them in.
As judges, you play a vital role in administration of justice. My government want you continue undertaking the mandate bestowed on you by the constitution without fear or favor.
The Hustler Nation Fund will also be set up soon. The details of how the loan will be accessed by Saccos, Chamas and other organized groups will be released. These were some of directives the new president gave moment after being sworn-in.
I was also happy to note Dr Ruto appreciated the good work that the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta had done. Consequently, he announced that Uhuru will continue to chair the African region peace initiative on behalf of the government of Kenya. He spoke after Uhuru, who had promised to ensure a peaceful transition, handled the Sword to him.
For now, I have reason to doubt President Ruto’s commitment to fulfill his promises. I know he will work hard because he does want to become a one-term president. As stipulated in the constitution, he is looking forward to be re-elected for his second and final term.
Well, I know some people might disagree with me that Dr Ruto is not the first sitting Deputy President to succeed an outgoing President.
Yes, the late former President Daniel Arap Moi was the first to take over. However, I want to remind them, he took over following the death of the founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
This transition raised queries because it was not anchored on democratic tenets of universal suffrage of one man, one woman, one vote.
As envisaged in the old constitution, then vice president Moi was supposed to serve as an acting President for 90 days. However, no election was held after the expiry of this period. Instead, a decision was made and he was consequently confirmed and sworn-in as the President. Here, Kenyans were denied a chance to exercise their constitutional and democratic right.
Finally, I have message for those who never believed in Ruto presidency. You lost it out. So, you have only two options. Support his government or join the opposition. As of now, the opposition is not strong because it is not well anchored in the constitution.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a Political Analyst based in Nairobi
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- From Datsun to Nissan: The rebrand that changed a global carmaker forever
- The university door has opened — what awaits inside?
- Treasury scandal deepens: Nine arrested over KSh1.57B PROFIT programme fraud
- International Unitarian Funding Program Gave A Grant To Mulher Forte GBV Project In Botswana
- End of an era: Liverpool begin again without Salah, Mané and Firmino
About the Author
