Ruto’s swearing-in evidence of robust democratic institutions, says Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says the swearing-in of Willam Ruto as the president of Kenya is a testament to what robust institutions can do in a democracy.

Osinbajo, who was in Nairobi on Tuesday to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of Ruto as Kenya’s president, spoke with journalists shortly before departing for Abuja, Nigeria.

Ruto was sworn in as the president of Kenya earlier on Tuesday by Martha Koome, chief justice of Kenya, at the Moi international sports centre in Kasarani, Nairobi.

“Ruto’s inauguration is a celebration of democracy and the reasons are obvious; we found a situation where the elections and campaigns were quite fractious,” Osinbajo said.

“There were quite a bit of hostilities here and there, but the institutions held up — the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the equivalent of our own INEC, and the judiciary.

“They held up and ensured that not only were processes properly followed but also that justice was done.

“Whenever we talk about the celebration of democracy, we are really talking about the celebration of our institutions, the institutions that guard democracy and the rule of law.

“I think that what we have seen here in Kenya and the swearing-in of Ruto is really evidence of robust institutions doing what they ought to do.’’

He said the Kenya experience is a great example for democracy in Africa.

“We are all extremely pleased, and I am sure you have seen from all of the African heads of state and governments and their representatives who are present here today, that there is an atmosphere of elation and joy, because this worked,” he added.