It will cost the treasury Sh200 million for the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect William Ruto.
This is according to the Treasury’s Pre-Election economic update report.
“Sh200 million has been provided in the FY 2022-2023 budget to undertake Assumption of Office activities to ensure smooth transition to the next administration after the general election,” reads the report.
The funds are allocated to the Assumption of Office Committee that is currently preparing for the transition of power from outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta to William Ruto.
The event, which is set to take place next week, September 13 (Tuesday), will see Ruto and his deputy president-elect Rigathi Gachagua being sworn to the presidency.
According to Chapter 141 of the Kenyan Constitution, the event is set to take place on the first Tuesday, seven days after the date on which the Supreme court renders a decision declaring the election to be valid.
The President-elect then assumes office by taking and subscribing the oath of allegiance, and the oath for the execution of the functions of office.
The Assumption of Office of the President Act sets up a committee to be charged with the management of the swearing-in event and giving security briefings to the incoming president.
Their schedule of activities started immediately after the court declared Ruto as President-elect, the same having been suspended ahead of the ruling.
The committee, as per the law, is expected to publish, by notice in the Kenya Gazette, the date and place for the conduct of the swearing-in, which must be within Nairobi.
On Monday, a team of government officials inspected Kasarani Stadium.
Ruto had nominated outgoing National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, UDA secretary general Veronica Maina and Uasin Gishu Woman MP Gladys Shollei as co-opted members of the team chaired by Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua.
“The swearing-in of the President-elect shall be conducted in a public ceremony held in the capital city,” the law says, adding that the said day will be a public holiday.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi will administer the oath in the presence of Chief Justice Martha Koome or Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu in her absence.
The oath-taking must take place not later than 2pm, with the law providing that the Deputy Chief Justice only undertakes the task where the Chief Justice is incapacitated.
Ruto will be required to sign a certificate of inauguration in the presence of the Chief Justice or the Deputy Chief Justice.
After the signing, President Uhuru Kenyatta will hand over the sword and the Constitution to Ruto to symbolise the handing over.
Ruto will be the first to take oath before his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, proceeds to take the same, with slight modifications to fit the functions of his office.
“The President shall, upon the swearing in of the Deputy President-elect, give an inauguration speech to the nation,” the law says.
