The outgoing Deputy President named a three-member team to represent him in the Assumption of the Office of President Committee led by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
The nominated members comprise former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Uasin Gishu woman representative-elect Gladys Shollei, and United Democratic Alliance’s secretary general, Veronica Maina who were active in the campaigns.
Justin Muturi, the outgoing National Assembly Speaker and Democratic Alliance party leader, joined Ruto’s camp a few weeks before the August 9 polls. concluded elections.
Shollei also played a substantial role in Ruto’s election. The former Registrar of the Judiciary was among Kenya Kwanza’s agents at the Bomas of Kenya national tallying centre.
On her part, UDA secretary general, Veronica Maina, played a leading role in Ruto’s campaign since the inception of the party, hatching strategies that saw them win the presidency.
The trio will sit on the committee led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua as the chairperson.
The Assumption of the Office of The President committee is established under an Act of Parliament with the mandate of making arrangements for the procedure and ceremony for the handover of power.
Its membership comprises, among others; the secretary to the cabinet, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Besides ensuring that security arrangements of the President-elect are laid down, the committee also works to ensure that the program of the swearing-in ceremony is well outlined in advance.
This special committee has been convening meetings ahead of the Constitution’s set date of handing over of power.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, despite not congratulating Ruto, assured the nation that he will hand over power peacefully. Uhuru responded to Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua who claimed that the ceremony would go on even without the head of state’s presence.
Ruto was declared the winner after garnering 7.18 million as compared to Raila’s 6.94 million. However, the country could be forced to wait longer before a new regime is ushered in as Raila vowed to file a petition seeking to nullify the election.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
