‘Africa celebrates democracy’

Kudakwashe Mugari in Nairobi, Kenya

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa was among 20 Heads of State and Government who witnessed the swearing-in of Dr William Ruto as the fifth President of Kenya at the giant Kasarani International Sports Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.

Dr Ruto took his oath of office alongside his deputy Mr Rigathi Gachagua during a colourful ceremony that was attended by thousands of Kenyans and which was accompanied by pomp, ceremony and pageantry.

The 60 000-seater stadium was packed to the rafters by jubilant Kenyans who came to witness their President assume the reins from his predecessor Mr Uhuru Kenyatta.

Dr Ruto inspected a military guard mounted in his honour while a 21-gun salute reverberated across the city of Nairobi as overhead jets whirred past the overflowing stadium.

President Mnangagwa said the advent of a new administration in Kenya is a sign of Africa’s deep-rooted democracy.

“Today, Africa celebrates democracy. It was a pleasure to be beside fellow African leaders to welcome in the new administration in Kenya.”

As he assumed office, Dr Ruto acknowledged the presence of world leaders including President Mnangagwa, who is a friend of Kenya.

President Ruto promised to work with all Kenyans despite political differences that saw him pipping his rival Mr Raila Odinga to clinch the presidency.

“The people of Kenya will benefit more because of this election win. I will raise the bar of integrity and professionalism in the public sector. Our judiciary has demonstrated transparency in its decision making and today they have showed us that their judicial independence is unquestionable,” said Dr Ruto.

Last week, Kenya’s Supreme Court upheld Dr Ruto’s victory in the August election, dismissing Mr Odinga’s claims that the vote was marred by rigging and irregularities.

Dr Ruto paid tribute to Kenyan youths who voted in large numbers and promised them jobs and support for business start-ups. He also pledged to use his humble background as a vendor to work for the emancipation of the poor and also tackle corruption.

The Kenyan President has the task of uniting a country of 54 million people with several political and ethnic divisions that were heightened during the election period.

Leaders who spoke at the colourful event commended Kenyans for the peaceful elections, saying the smooth transfer of power had demonstrated Africa’s ability to manage its affairs.

The President of Tanzania, Mrs Samia Suluhu, said the East Africa region must be united and increase its market while the President of Burundi, Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye, commended Kenyans for the peaceful elections.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni assured the new Kenya head of state of the East Africa region’s support and congratulated Kenyans for upholding democracy.

President Museveni said the Kenyan polls had demonstrated that democracy in Africa was maturing, noting that the country had distinguished itself as a beacon of constitutionalism.

“This is a triumph of the African spirit, the embodiment of the Africa we want and the Africa we know ourselves to be and the Kenyan story is a positive story,” said Mr Museveni.

Yesterday’s historical event was also attended by President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

President Mnangagwa returned home last night and was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, service chiefs and senior Government officials.