Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua that it is not a must for President Uhuru Kenyatta to attend President-elect William Ruto’s swearing-in ceremony.
Uhuru is yet to acknowledge Ruto’s win days after IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced the DP as the president elect.
In an interview with Kass TV, Gachagua insisted that Uhuru will not be forced to attend the ceremony or even congratulate Ruto.
The DP-elect stated that the event only requires the presence of Chief Justice Martha Koome and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Anne Amadi, who will conduct the oath taking ceremony
“Up to now, President Kenyatta hasn’t spoken to President-elect Ruto either through phone call or any other means. It is his right because we cannot force him
“If he doesn’t want to congratulate the president-elect, it is okay but plans for William Ruto to take over leadership of the country is going on smoothly since it is in the Constitution,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua also noted that the handing over of the sword which signifies the transition of power does not require Uhuru’s presence.
“I want to tell Kenyans not to be worried, it is our hope that President Uhuru Kenyatta will be a gentleman the same way President Mwai Kibaki handed him power, he will also be democratic and attend the event, hand over the sword, say some few things then we proceed to State House together for some induction but if he doesn’t do it, it is okay because the plan will go on
“It is our prayer that President Uhuru Kenyatta whom we have worked together for 10 years, it would be good for him to be a gentleman, democratic, respect people’s decision, attend the ceremony, hand over the sword and bid Kenyans goodbye,” he stated.
William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua during campaigns PHOTO/COURTESY
Elsewhere, Ruto ruled out the possibility of working with his arch rival, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ruto noted that he never subscribed to the so-called handshake, adding that the government works well with a strong opposition.
“I never believed in the handshake stories, I made my position clear because I believe in democracy, I believe in a government that has checks and balances
“When you have a government without doesn’t have the opposition, you run the very high risk of having a government that is not accountable precisely what we had seen over the last four years,” he said.
Ruto made it clear that he would only engage Raila as the opposition leader.
READ ALSO: (Photos) Sakaja Meets Igathe Days After Vicious Governor Race
“My competitors have a role to play. I will work with my competitors in the role that the Constitution assigns the people in the opposition
“They will provide oversight over my government and I intend to work with them in that capacity,” said Ruto.
Do you have a story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or call/SMS +254 731 469269
Recommended for you
