President Kenyatta commits to a smooth transition

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sought to reassure Kenyans that the process of transition will be smooth as he prepares to exit office after a 10-year run.

This after William Ruto was declared President-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the August 9 poll in which President Kenyatta backed the candidature of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya chief Raila Odinga.

Despite not yet publicly congratulating Ruto, President Kenyatta broke his silence on the matter when he met and held talks with religious leaders who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.

The interfaith group included Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese, Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri, Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and the National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Hassan Ole Naado.

Other members of the clergy who attended the meeting included Sheikh Yusuf Nasur Maki, Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese, archbishop Philip Anyolo, Bishop Emeritus David Oginde, Bishop Emeritus Silas Yego, Bishop Robert Langat, Canon Chris Kinyanjui and Father Ferdinard Lugonzo.

The clergymen, according to a statement to newsrooms from President Kenyatta’s team, commended the Head of State for his leadership which they said has ensured peace, stability and cohesion amongst the Kenyan communities.

“The religious leaders expressed gratitude to the Head of State for working towards a united Kenya by creating a path of inclusivity for all Kenyans,” read the PSCU statement.

“The President thanked the religious leaders for their support and assured them that the process of transition will be smooth.”

Odinga has since rejected the results of the 2022 presidential election where Ruto was declared the winner terming them as null and void.

The Azimio coalition party leader, while announcing that he will be heading to the Supreme Court to contest the results, accused IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati of violating the Constitution and electoral laws in his decision to declare Ruto as President-elect.