Senior most Judge can swear in President

The Senior most judge in the Supreme Court could swear in the president - elect in the absence of the Chief Justice and the deputy Chief Justice, this is according to Attorney Githu Muigai. The constitution however says that only the CJ can swear in the president - elect or in his absence the Deputy CJ. The position of DCJ is vacant following the exit of Nancy Baraza and her proposed replacement Kalpana Rawal has to wait for the next parliament to approve her appointment.

Meanwhile, over 15 independent constitutional bodies have expressed satisfaction with the preparedness by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to conduct credible elections. The representatives of the fifteen independent constitutional bodies led by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko, IEBC Chairman Isaack Hassan among others, were all unanimous that the country is ready for the March 4th general election.

Each outlined plans he has put in place to ensure fairness, with Mutunga saying they have set up specialized courts to deal with petitions from the election.

Tobiko welcomed the idea saying it will facilitate prosecution of those who go against the law including civil servants, sentiments echoed by Githu.

Hassan says the IEBC is ready and proper measures have been put in place to ensure fairness, urging all candidates to respect the code of conduct they signed. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo says those with intentions of causing any kind of protest will not be spared, adding that security has been beefed up in all parts of the country. Transition Authority Chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi also says they have already dispatched their officers to the 47 counties in readiness for the transition to county government. The organizations have now urged Kenyans to exercise their democratic right and vote in the election, and foster unity during the electioneering period.

 By:Rufus Hunja