Kenya: Raila Odinga to Swear in as ‘President’ Amid Warnings by Govt

Despite police threats to crack down supporters of the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) today, thousands of them have already accessed Uhuru park in Nairobi where the controversial inauguration of Mr. Raila Odinga as ‘President’ and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka as Deputy president is scheduled to take place.

On Monday January 29, NASA stressed that its leader Raila Odinga would be sworn in as the President of Kenya and not as the People’s President.

Norman Magaya, the NASA CEO said that the controversial inauguration ceremony will be held at the Uhuru Park grounds despite police warnings that no group will be allowed to access the venue.

“We are swearing in Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as the President of the Republic of Kenya and not People’s President. We have no intention whatsoever to change the venue for this ceremony. Option one is Uhuru Park, option two is Uhuru Park, option three is Uhuru Park and if option three is not possible, then the only option is Uhuru Park,” said a defiant Magaya in an interview on KTN News.

Kenya’s constitution provides that the inauguration of the President shall be presided over by Chief Justice and in case he/she is unable, then the deputy chief justice perform the activity.

Magaya insisted that they (NASA) have a competent judge to conduct the oath.

“As stated before, we have a qualified judge who will undertake this process. We expect it to run smoothly,” said Magaya.

This comes amid claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta threatened to shutdown all media houses which will rely a live coverage of the event.

The Chief Justice, David Maraga recently issued a statement stating that Mr. Odinga will commit treason if he takes an oath as ‘President’.

Last year, Odinga lost the Presidential elections to President Uhuru Kenyatta in a highly contested race after which he disputed the outcomes accusing Kenyatta of manipulating the results.

When the Supreme Court nullified the results, and announced fresh polls, Odinga would later withdraw from the rerun clainubg the electoral commission was not capable of delivering a credible election.