It is not yet clear whether the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been denouncing William Ruto,
will be physically present during the handing over of power during William Ruto’s swearing-in, a local daily has stated.
During the campaigns period, Uhuru Kenyatta launched a vigorous campaign against William Ruto.
Uhuru’s expectation was to hand over power to Raila Odinga. However Uhuru Kenyatta has since promised a smooth transition.
But on Tuesday, former State House Comptroller Franklin Bett said there is no legal requirement for president Uhuru Kenyatta to be present during William Ruto’s swearing – in ceremony.
But Franklin Bett said Uhuru should attend Ruto’s swearing-in as a matter of good manners.
“It is not necessary, it is not mandatory for Uhuru to be present during swearing-in” Franklin Bett said.
Bett further emphasized that even if President Uhuru Kenyatta would decline to be present during the handing over of power, the ceremony would still continue.
Franklin Bett also disclosed that the military will hand over the sword to William Ruto in case Uhuru fails to attend the ceremony.
“As long as the military, which is the custodian of the sword, has no problem handing it over to Ruto,
he will be sworn in with or without Uhuru being present,” he said.