Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived in Nairobi, to represent Nigeria at the Kenyan presidential inauguration.
The event, which comes up on Tuesday at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, will be Kenya’s fifth presidential inauguration.
Osinbajo was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, by former Governor of Kwale County, Salim Mvurya, Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya, Yusuf Yumusa and other senior government officials.
Deputy President, William Ruto was on Aug. 15, declared winner of Kenya’s presidential election held on Aug. 9.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, said Ruto had won almost 7.18 million votes or 50.49 per cent, against 6.94 million or 48.85 per cent, for his rival, Raila Odinga.
Kenya’s Supreme Court, on Sept. 5, upheld Rutho’s electoral victory.
The vice-president is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu.
Nigeria and Kenya, both former British colonies, enjoy good diplomatic relationship and had signed agreements on trade and agriculture, among other areas of cooperation. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
Osinbajo will join other leaders across Africa and beyond for the swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani stadium, Nairobi, with about 20 heads of state expected to grace the ceremony.
Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta will hand over the instruments of power including a ceremonial sword and a copy of Kenya’s Constitution to the new president.
Rutho’s electoral victory in last month’s election was affirmed by Kenya’s Supreme Court on Sept. 5.
Nigeria and Kenya share very warm and long standing diplomatic relations underpinned by strong economic cooperation and cultural affinities.
The vice president is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu.
Osinbajo will return to Abuja later on Tuesday.