- This was the shortest address by a president to the joint sitting of Parliament.
- The speech lasted 34 minutes.
Image: PSCU
There was heavy security in and outside Parliament Buildings as President William Ruto made his inaugural address to the joint sitting of the bicameral House.
Within Parliament's precincts, hawk-eyed officers from all three police formations kept guard. Entry to Parliament Buildings was restricted to only MPs, high-ranking government officials, envoys and accredited individuals.
Police in anti-riot gear were strategically stationed at the entrance to Parliament, on Harambee Avenue and Parliament Road. Both roads were closed to motorists as early as 6am.
Anyone entering Parliament was thoroughly frisked before being allowed in.
Ruto and First Lady Rachel arrived at 2.34pm. They were received by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The President then proceeded to inspect his first guard of honour since he was elected the fifth President.
The guard of honour was mounted by officers from the Kenya Airforce along Parliament Road, just next to the main Parliament entrance.
Ruto then went for a boardroom meeting with Speakers Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate) before making his way to the packed plenary at 3.03pm.
A police band was playing in the background as the head of state made his way to the chambers, accompanied by the two speakers.
After 23 minutes of interdenominational prayers, Kingi and Wetang’ula brought the House to order, setting the stage for the address by the President.
Article 132 (1) (a) of the Constitution requires the President to address the opening of each newly elected Parliament.
There was a light moment as the President recalled how he became an opposition candidate while serving as number two.
“This election was an intensely contested election, nevertheless, it was peaceful and democratic confirming the coming to age of our democracy,” he said.
“It only happens in Kenya where the opposition leader won the election and became president and the president became the leader of the opposition, that's the beauty of our democracy.”
Sitting at the Speaker’s gallery were Chief Justice Martha Koome, former Chief Justice David Maraga, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ACK Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit, Attorney General nominee Justin Muturi and former presidential candidate George Wajackoyah.
Governors present included Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma).
Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi was also present.