3 Instruments of power set to signal leadership transition
By Hilary KimuyuOne of the most visible signs that power will change hand in the coming hours is who will be handed over the instruments of power.
This is a Commonwealth tradition which are largely symbolic of the seat of authority and the head of government.
According to the Assumption of the Office of President Act, an incumbent government is expected to establish a committee known as the Assumption of the Office of President Committee to steer the process at least 30 days before a General Election.
After the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, announces the final results of the presidential election, the Assumption of Office Committee will ensure that the president-elect and deputy president-elect are accorded adequate security.
In Kenya, there are only three major instruments of power transition in Kenyan history, the ceremonial sword, the constitution and the 21 – gun-salute to signify transition of power and authority from outgoing to the incoming president.
The Sword
The ceremonial sword Mzee Jomo Kenyatta received more than 50 years ago will be handed over to the president elect marking the transfer of power and authority.
The sword goes way back to the Japanese dynasty and is made of stainless steel handle and a gold-coated blade, is traditionally kept at the office of President in Harambee House, Nairobi.
The Constitution
The Constitution is handed over as a symbol that the country is governed by the rule of law, which is supposed to be the guide in the choices the President makes.
21–gun salute
According to the National Museum documents in the United Kingdom, the gun salutes date back to the 17th century when various troops used the gun salutes to inform the troops they were visiting that they did not have any weapons with them.
All over the world, the 21-gun salute is the highest honour and is accorded to the Head of States during swearing-in ceremonies and while visiting foreign countries.
Process
The first order as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces will be to command a break on the Guard of Honour that had been inspected by the outgoing president before he handed over power.
The president-elect announced by Chebukati will take the oath or affirmation, which the Chief Registrar will administer before the Chief Justice no earlier than 10am and not later than 2pm.
“Upon taking or subscribing to the oath or affirmation under subsection (1), the President shall sign a certificate of inauguration in the presence of the Chief Justice or in the absence of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice.”
After signing the certificate of the inauguration, President Uhuru Kenyatta will hand over to his successor instruments of power and authority.
The Aide De Camp (ADC) will move swiftly from behind Mr Kenyatta and stand behind the new president, then give a stiff salute completing the signal that the guard has changed.
After that, the deputy president-elect will also take the oath of office.
“The deputy president-elect shall take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation of allegiance and oath or affirmation for the execution of the functions of the office in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution,” the law states.
The new president will then give an inauguration speech to Kenyans.
IEBC is expected to announce the winner of the presidential elections at 3pm on Monday.