UPDATE: President William Ruto has issued two fresh orders to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Ruto issued the orders while speaking during the swearing-in of Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President of Kenya on Friday, November 1.
The head of state addressed the recent cases of femicide in the country after the National Police Service on Wednesday revealed that at least 97 women have been killed in the last three months.
This was confirmed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, who raised alarm over the crime wave.
President Ruto while addressing the worrying statistics directed the DCI to ensure that all cases that have been reported are thoroughly probed and perpetrators brought to book.
“I know that of recent we have seen incidences of our girls, our mothers, our women who have been murdered in cold blood. Let me say that the DCI and all investigative agencies in Kenya must stand up to these criminals and we must deal decisively and firmly,” said Ruto.
He added, “I want to ask us as a society to be careful with strangers, to be careful with people who lure our girls and women into situations that comprise their security, but we must be on the lookout all of us as a nation.”
Ruto issues fresh orders during the swearing in of Kindiki as DP
At the same time, the President urged the DCI to collaborate with the Judiciary and other agencies to investigate all cases of corruption in the country.
“Members of our investigative agencies should ensure that all public resources are used efficiently, effectively. I call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the offices of the DCI and IG to work with the Judiciary so that the corrupt can be firmly, decisively dealt with,” he said.
Ruto arrived at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) at around 10.30am on Friday alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto for the swearing-in ceremony of Kindiki as DP.
The head of state made his way at the venue where approximately 10,000 citizens and government officials had gathered.
The swearing-in venue accommodated 3,000 seated guests, while an additional 7,000 stood in solidarity to celebrate Kindiki’s ascension to office.
Here is The Kenya Times live updates of Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony as the new Deputy President.
11:28am: Ruto makes his speech
President Ruto addresses the congregation having been invited by DP Kindiki.
11:14am: DP Kindiki makes his first speech as DP, thanks his family
DP Kithure Kindiki makes his inaugural speech following his swearing-in after being invited by PCS Mudavadi.
Kindiki thanks his wife Joyce Kithure, says that she has sacrificed a lot to bring up their children Imani, Neema and Mwende.
“Allow me to thank my wonderful wife, Joyce Kithure. A woman who has sacrificed her profession, in her own right, to raise our three children, Imani, Neema, and Mwende. I am very grateful to my wife and the children for being the foundation and providing the support that I have always required as I navigate this difficult space of public service,” he said.
His remarks on President Ruto
“Words fail me to explain how grateful I am today. I’m grateful to President Ruto for the honour he has given me to serve under him. I have been his political student for 20 years and nothing in the political space has helped me pick up lessons more than the years that I have walked around him,” said the DP.
He added, “I promise you (President Ruto) before this congregation and God that I will not let you down for the privilege you have given me.”
On the recent developments in the country, the DP said, “Whatever has happened in the last few weeks, and in the recent past, is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and a testament that our institutions work.”
11:06am: Judiciary announces end of swearing in ceremony
Judiciary announces end of swearing in ceremony giving way for the continuation of the rest of the program where a couple of speeches are lined up, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Also Read: Friday Declared a Public Holiday
Mudavadi in his speech noted, “We stand proud as a nation to honor the Kenyans who embraced the 2010 Constitution and to demonstrate that our institutions do function. Despite challenges, the legislature and judiciary have fulfilled their roles.”
11:00am: Ruto hands over a copy of the Constitution to Kindiki
President Ruto takes the stage to hand over a copy of the Constitution of Kenya to Kindiki.
Moments later, Kindiki was featured in a photo session with different figures including the President, First Lady, Chief Justice and the Second Lady.
10:50am: Kindiki takes oath
The deputy president-designate accompanied by his spouse Joyce Njagi take the stage ahead of the former’s oath-taking.
Kindiki takes oath of allegiance as guided by the Chief Registar of the Judiciary Winfrida Mokaya.
The Chief Registrar administered the oath to Prof Kindiki amidst cheers from the crowd, who had gathered in anticipation of this significant ceremony.
At one point, Mokaya was compelled to pause as the delighted citizens erupted in applause, celebrating the new Deputy President as he religiously repeated the oath read by her.
She went on to first administer the oath of allegiance to the Republic of Kenya before concluding with the oath of execution of office for the Deputy President.
Earlier
Crowds began to gather outside KICC as early as dawn, eager to witness the significant occasion.
Other senior government officials who attended the ceremony include National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri, Cabinet Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries, governors, and other officials.
On Thursday, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau in a gazette notice announced the swearing-in ceremony of Prof. Kindiki.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy President-designate shall take place on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (K.I.C.C.), in Nairobi City County, from 10.00 O’clock,” reads a gazette notice issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei went ahead to gazette a 23-member Assumption of Office of the Deputy President Committee to oversee the organization of the swearing-in event.
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