Kenya’s presidential inauguration, a celebration of democracy – Osinbajo

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday in Kenya, described the inauguration of Kenya’s 5th President, Dr William Ruto, as a celebration of democracy and democratic institutions in Africa.

Prof. Osinbajo made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the swearing-in ceremony held at the Moi International Sports Stadium in Nairobi.

Earlier on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Prof. Osinbajo was received by the former Governor of Kwale County, Hon. Salim Mvurya, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Amb. Yusuf Yunusa, among other officials of the High Commission.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, quoted him as saying in a statement that President Ruto’s inauguration was highly significant.

“It is a celebration of democracy and the reasons are obvious, the institutions held up – the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission), the equivalent of our own INEC, and the Judiciary; they held up and ensured that not only were processes properly followed but also that justice was done

“Whenever we talk about the celebration of democracy, we are really talking about the celebration of our institutions, the institutions that undergird democracy and the rule of law.

“I think that what we have seen here in Kenya and the swearing-in of Dr William Ruto is really evidence of robust institutions doing what they ought to do.

“It is a great example and we are all extremely pleased. And I’m sure you have seen, from all of the African Heads of State and Governments and their representatives who are present here today, that there is an atmosphere of elation and joy because this worked,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

According to Akande, the high point of the occasion was the oath-taking ceremonies by the newly elected President and his deputy – Rigathi Gachagua, as well as the handover of instruments of power and a copy of Kenya’s Constitution from former President Uhuru Kenyatta to Dr Ruto.

“The ceremony was attended by 20 African Heads of State and Government and their representatives, including the Presidents of South Africa – Cyril Ramaphosa, Chad – Mahamat Idriss Déby, Tanzania – Samia Suluhu, Seychelles – Wavel Ramkalawan, Uganda – Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda – Paul Kagame, South Sudan – Salva Kiir, Burundi – Évariste Ndayishimiye, Zimbabwe – Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others,” the statement read.