Uhuru Kenyatta to be sworn in for second term after months of political volatility

Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn in at a ceremony in Kasarani today.

Kenyatta’s inaugural speech will likely contain a pitch to end economic stagnation resulting from a severe drought and the prolonged election crisis. While the national treasury has reduced this year’s growth target from 5.9% to 5.1%, the economy has demonstrated resilience thanks to the efforts of micro-medium enterprises in wholesale, retail, transport and others. Operating in the informal sector, they contribute 18% towards annual economic output.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga will be leading a memorial in Embakasi for 26 protesters killed by police following his boycott of October’s election re-run—its result upheld by the high court last week. He accuses the Jubilee party government of sponsoring police brutality to deter his supporters.

The Kenyatta-Odinga dispute will likely continue since the latter refuses to recognise Kenyatta’s legitimacy. Without reconciliation, this could further enflame socio-political divisions and risk greater economic decline.

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