Following the general election that took place in August and the repeat of the same election in October after nullification of the general election by the Kenyan Supreme Court, the leader of the opposition coalition movement in Kenya Mr. Raila Odinga has been sworn in by one of his subordinate as the “People’s President” at Nairobi mostly used public park — Uhuru Park in an event which was graced by a sea of humanity. Large multitude turned out to witness the special inauguration ceremony which has been termed as an act to overthrow the government by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Internal Security and Coordination of National Government, Dr. Fred Matiangi.
“What was witnessed yesterday was a well choreographed attempt to subvert or overthrow the legally constituted government of the Republic of Kenya, The government is committed to the rule of law, will not accept subversion and we will act decisively.We will arrest those we need to and take them before a magistrate without question.” said Matiangi.
Mr. Raila Odinga took the oath amid tension, anxiety and fear that saw the Kenyan government through the Communications Authority of Kenya – a regulatory body for the communications sector in the state, switch off of three leading national TV, some radio stations and disabled social media platforms in an attempt to refrain coverage of the event and give the ceremony a media blackout. Citizens that were not able to travel to the venue of the event in the capital city had to rely on social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube streams and feeds from reliable political bloggers to follow up with the historic event.
“I Raila Amolo Odinga in full realization of the high calling to assume the office of the people’s president of the Republic of Kenya, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the people and the Republic of Kenya; that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Kenya, as by law established, and all other laws of the Republic as adopted by the people of Kenya; that I will protect and uphold sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya. So help me God.” he carefully said to refrain from putting himself in the line of committing treason.
