National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has warned Kenyans to save their country from Musevenism.

Bobi Wine’s warning came after Kenyan Member of Parliament for Fafi Constituency, Salah Yakub suggested that the limit on two terms for president should be removed.

“We want to tell all Kenyans that the limit on two terms (for president) should be relooked. We want it to be changed to an age limit where one gets to 75 years then he or she cannot contest,” he said.

The legislator added that they will come up with an amendment Bill to try to change this because they want the requirement to be on age limit and not terms.

“If a president is doing a good job, then he or she should not be limited by the terms.”

Bobi Wine however advised Kenyans to be vigilant and save their country from Musevenism.

“This may come off as a lone MP making a ridiculous suggestion, but this is how it starts. Exactly how Museveni began schemes to remove term and age limits. Defend your Constitution before it’s too weak to defend you.”

NUP’s General Secretary, Lewis Rubongoya also expressed his fears noting that he hopes Kenyans are not falling into the same trap.

He said, “To remove term limits, Gen. Museveni used James Kakooza. For term limits, he used Raphael Magyezi. First, they appeared as random MPs making proposals. Turned out the plots were birthed in State House. I hope our Kenyan brothers are not falling in the same trap. They won’t like it.

“The objective of any dictator at this point would be to make something so immoral a subject of public debate. Even if most people make angry remarks about it, the dictator’s objective is fulfilled when it is discussed as he has capacity to pay some people to discuss in its favour.”

By Kalamira Hope

President William Ruto has been sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya today in an occasion that took place at Kasarani International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

“I, William Ruto, in full realization of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President/Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, do swear/solemnly affirm that i will obey, preserve, protect and defend this Constitution of Kenya as by law established, and all other laws of the Republic and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya. So help me God.”

PRESIDENT KAGUTA MUSEVENI CONGRATULATES RUTO

After the inauguration, Museveni congratulated President Ruto and thanked Uhuru Kenyatta on behalf of the Presidents who attended the occasion.

Museveni said, “All the political class in Africa, I appeal to you to answer the question, Where does prosperity come from?

“According to my experience of 60 years, I would advise Africans to know that prosperity comes from wealth creation. Wealth is not the same as natural resources. Wealth means commercial agriculture, services, manufacturing, hotels, and ICT, etc.”

Museveni divulged that in order for Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, and other countries to catch up with the United States, they need to work on the issue of regional markets.

RUTO DELIVERS EMOTIONAL SPEECH

In his speach after being sworn in as president, William Ruto said, “To the people of Kenya, this is a momentous occasion to our country, our politics and our elections have never failed to be a motive, engaging and dramatic.”

Ruto further noted that this day comes on the back of a peaceful election, following an intense issue-based campaign in which major coalitions made up of strong political parties canvassed their agenda and took it for examination by the people of Kenya.

“We have done well as a nation. We have come a long way in our nation’s journey to freedom, and going by our most recent performance in this election. We conclude in confidence that we are almost home,” he added.

Ruto hailed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati for standing firm, resisting bribery, intimidation, blackmail and doing the right thing.

“It is also important to celebrate our judiciary for sustaining its tradition of boldly giving much-needed guidance especially during allying post-election anxieties and resolving grievances in a sensitive, credible and authoritative manner.”

He contended, “We have all, therefore, emerged out of this context stronger, more united and alive to the issues that are more common to all of us. We should remain conscious that we have all been elected to work together in ensuring that our children go to school, our people have food and decent health care and our young people have jobs and our workers have dignified livelihoods.

“For we believe strongly that every hustle matters. Dreams and ambitions live in the hearts of Kenyans who struggle daily often with nothing except stubborn hope.”

Ruto propounded that he stands with great humility and profound joy as a living testimony that with faith in God, willingness to work hard and commitment to a vision, dreams can become reality in the fullness of time.

“I promise to throw open every door of opportunity and to keep every door open until success torries become the norm rather than the exceptional and urge all other leaders so that we can together expand the opportunity and chance for many of our citizens,” he maintained.

RUTO TO SWEAR IN SIX JUDGES ON WEDNESDAY.

Upon swearing in, Ruto immediately appointed six judges.

“To further demonstrate my commitment to the independence of the judiciary, this afternoon I will appoint six judges already nominated for appointment to the court of appeal which was done three years ago by the judicial service commission,” he stated.

Ruto added, “And tomorrow I shall preside over their swearing-in so that they can get on with the business of serving the people of Kenya.

“As required by Article 245 of the Constitution, the Inspector General of Police is mandated to exercise independent command over the national police service.”

Ruto also emphasized that his government commits to create a business-friendly environment, eradicate barriers that hamper business development and growth and make Kenya one of the most compelling and attractive business destinations.

“We are an open democratic society founded on freedom and justice, we take pride in receiving visitors and offering them our legendary hospitality. Kenya is a land of immense natural beauty and unforgettable delight.”

He concluded, “Ladies and Gentlemen I stand here on my day to make a commitment, I will make pronouncements that are going to better define the trajectory of my administration. I promise to make every Kenyan proud and to ensure the economic well-being of us.”

By Kalamira Hope

Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld William Ruto’s presidential win in a scathing judgement that blasted opposition leader Raila Odinga’s accusations of cheating.

In the presidential election that took place on 15th August, 2022, Ruto garnered 7,176,141 votes making 50.49% while Raila Odinga garnered 6,942,930 votes making 48.85%.

Odinga challenged William Ruto’s win in the Supreme Court and alleged the tally had involved “criminality”.

In his petition, Odinga asked the court to nullify the vote’s outcome on several grounds, including a mismatch between the turnout figures and the result, and alleges the election commission failed to tally ballots from 27 constituencies, rendering the result unverifiable and unaccountable.

“We have enough evidence to prove all of the criminality that occurred. We are confident that in the end, the truth will be revealed,” Odinga said.

In a televised judgement, Chief Justice Martha Koome, who heads the seven-member court, dismissed all the eight petitions challenging the elections.

“The court found some of these petitions were based on forged documents and “sensational information”, Chief Justice Martha Koome said in a unanimous decision on behalf of the seven judges.

“No credible evidence that the electronic voting transmission system had been tampered with by a supposed “middle man” was presented,” she said.

Koome even raised the possibility of perjury, noting that two people who filed affidavits allegedly on behalf of polling stations agents had not spoken to the agents.

“Swearing to falsehoods is a criminal offence,” she said.

Ms. Koome also said that Mr Ruto had met the constitutional threshold of garnering 50%+1 of votes cast.

“IEBC carried out the verification, tallying, and declaration of results in accordance with the provided constitutional law.”

“This court upholds the election of the first respondent (William Ruto) as the president-elect,” Koome ruled.

Kenya’s 5th President William Ruto will be sworn in on September 13th, 2022.

WE RESPECT OPINION OF COURT BUT DISAGREE WITH RULING – ODINGA

Meanwhile, Odinga has disagreed with the Supreme court ruling.

“We have always stood for the rule of law and the constitution. In this regard, we respect the opinion of the court although we vehemently disagree with their decision today,” Odinga’s statement reads.

He adds, “Our lawyers proffered irrefutable evidence and the facts were on our side, unfortunately the judges saw it otherwise. We find it incredible that the judges found against us on all nine grounds and occasion resulted to unduly exaggerated language to refute our claims.

“This judgement is by no means the end of our movement, in fact it inspires us to redouble our efforts to transform this country into a prosperous democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full belonging.

“We thank our supporters and Kenyans across the country for standing with us. We will be communicating in the near future on our plans to continue our struggle for transparency, accountability and democracy,” Odinga adds.

This is Odinga’s fifth attempt at the presidency; he blamed several previous losses on rigging. Those disputes triggered violence that claimed more than 100 lives in 2017 and more than 1,200 lives in 2007.

THIS MARKS THE END OF POLITICS OF DECEIT, BETRAYAL AND CONMANSHIP – RUTO

Reacting to the Supreme Court ruling, Kenya’s new President-elect Williams Ruto, accompanied by his wife  Mama Rachel Ruto and his running mate, and future deputy president Rigathi Gachagua with wife laid out his vision of a democratic Kenya.

Ruto said he welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his election victory with “tremendous humility” and praised the judges for their “neutrality” and “patriotism”.

Even though it is well known that President Kenyatta and Mr. Ruto – who was his deputy – fell out several years ago, which saw Mr. Kenyatta backing his opponent Mr. Raila Odinga, Ruto said he will put a call to him.

“I will shortly be putting a call to my good friend President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said to laughter from all those watching on.

“I haven’t talked to him [Kenyatta] in months…I know he worked hard in his own way… I take no offence that he decided to choose and support somebody else and therefore we will remain friends.”

Mr. Ruto also said that Mr. Kenyatta will be treated well.

“We will respect our president in his retirement… we are honourable people, we are not petty and we are not jealous. He has done a good job and he will have his place in the history of Kenya. Nobody should harbour anything against the president of Kenya.”

Ruto promised to stamp out division in Kenya and forge a path of unity saying democracy should not be an “acrimonious enterprise”.

He extended a hand of friendship to his political opponents, saying those who voted for his competitors all want what is best for Kenya and that he is committed to delivering that.

“We are not enemies, we are Kenyans. Let us unite to make Kenya a nation of which everyone shall be proud to call home.”

“This marks the end of the politics of deceit, betrayal and conmanship,” he said.

“We want the politics of the Kenya of the future – every leader must be judged on what they say and what they say is what they do.”

By Hope Kalamira