Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly criticized the Cabinet’s approval of the Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024, claiming it is part of a wider scheme to rig the 2027 General Election.
“It is impossible for the Cabinet to do something they themselves know is against the law. For instance, the president being sworn in after 24 hours when the constitution states there must be a 14-day period in case there is a petitioner who goes to the Supreme Court. Only after that can the swearing-in happen. But they want it done at night. They do not want what you are doing here with your networks and phones,” said Kalonzo.
The bill, approved on Tuesday by President Ruto’s Cabinet, aims to address gaps in the transition of executive power and the assumption of office by a president-elect. It stipulates that the president-elect and deputy president-elect will receive security arrangements equivalent to those of the sitting President and his deputy.
Additionally, it imposes a penalty of up to Ksh.10 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both for state and public officers who obstruct the presidential transition.
In situations where the outgoing president will be unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony, the process of handing over instruments of power will be omitted without affecting the validity of the entire transition procedure.
According to the bill, the transition of executive authority will be complete once the president, Deputy President, Attorney General, CSs, PSs and Secretary to the Cabinet assume office.
The bill also outlines the establishment of a transition centre and the appointment of members of the Assumption of Office Committee whose role will entail facilitating the handing over process by the outgoing president to the president-elect.
The bill will head to Parliament for consideration by both Houses.
Speaking after attending the burial of Gertrude Muthoni Namu, mother of investigative journalist John Allan Namu, at Kararumo market in Runyenjes, Embu County, Kalonzo issued a stern ultimatum for the government to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kalonzo vowed to lead mass protests if the government fails to form the electoral body by March next year.
“We don’t have an electoral commission since Chebukati and his team left office. Now, we are issuing a warning here in Embu that next year, before March, before March, before March — if there is no IEBC, I, myself, will be at the forefront in saying that there must be an IEBC in this Kenya,” declared Kalonzo.
By Francis Mtalaki