UDA wheelbarrow in Ruto’s presidential standard
The presidential standard of President William Ruto, which was unveiled during his inauguration on Tuesday in Nairobi, has a wheelbarrow in yellow background.
President Ruto’s presidential standard also has two crossed spears and a shield bearing the colours of the national flag. These two symbolize unity and readiness to defend the country’s freedom.
Yellow is symbolic as it is the dominant colour of Dr Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, while the wheelbarrow, according to the party’s website, symbolizes value, dignity and respect of work in pursuit of an equitable society.
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A presidential standard is an official flag of the sitting President, displayed alongside the national flag where the President is and pulled down as soon as he leaves. It is designed and made to the President-elect’s taste and liking by the Kenya Defence Force (KDF).
President Uhuru Kenyatta went for a blue presidential standard, which is similar to that of his father the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He however added a dove – The National Alliance (TNA)’s party symbol as opposed to his father’s yellow cockerel that was Kanu’s party symbol.
President Daniel Arap Moi settled for green with a red cockerel while his successor the late President Mwai Kibaki went for a white flag with two olive branches.
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During Tuesday’s event, President Kenyatta’s Standard was lowered as Dr Ruto’s was hoisted after he was sworn in and handed the instruments of power – a sword and the constitution – symbolizing a change of guard and the official ascension of Dr Ruto to power.
Dr Ruto also received the highest award in the country – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. Soon after being sworn in, the head of state changed the bios in his social media accounts.
Dr Ruto now becomes the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya after the conclusion of the competitive 2022 presidential election.
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition presidential candidate Mr Raila Odinga snubbed the inauguration at the Kasarani Stadium, saying he is attending other matters of importance out of the country.
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