President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged to ensure a smooth transition of power following Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold William Ruto’s election as president-elect.
Moreover, President Kenyatta, who had endorsed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya’s Raila Odinga as his preferred successor, stated that he was committed to honoring Supreme Court’s decision per his constitutional mandate.
“When I was sworn in as your president, I made a pledge to the country, to uphold the rule of law and the decisions made by the Judiciary on all matters pertaining to tour governance,” the head of state said in a video message on Monday, September 5 evening.
“Today, the Supreme Court made a decision on the presidential dispute upholding the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. In keeping to the pledge made to uphold the rule of law, I commit to executing the orders of this court.” He added.
However, throughout his entire speech, President Kenyatta did not mention William Ruto by name or refer to him directly.
In addition the president reported that the Assumption of Office Committee which steers the handing-over process had already started operations as the president-elect awaits swearing-in as Kenya’s fifth president on Tuesday, September 13.
“Indeed, it is my intention to oversee a smooth transition to the next administration and all the necessary orders to facilitate this process have already been issued,” president Uhuru said.
Also Read: Supreme Court Upholds William Ruto’s Election
Nevertheless, the head of state also lauded Kenyans for conducting a peaceful election and expressed goodwill to all elected leaders in the August 9 polls.
“I thank every single Kenyan for holding a peaceful election and for this I want to thank God, our political parties and every single individual in Kenyan for bringing us thus far. I want to wish well all who have won as they guide our country into the future,” he said.
Furthermore, the outgoing president called upon everyone to respect institutions “that midwife our new leaders”, and in doing so “constantly put them under scrutiny”, terming it the civic duty of every Kenyan.
