Kenyatta, who is due to be sworn in as the fourth President of Kenya on April 9, tweeted and posted on Facebook that holding the Bible together would mean that his wife, Margaret, also commits herself to the pledge/FILE
Kenyatta, who is due to be sworn in as the fourth President of Kenya on April 9, tweeted and posted on Facebook that holding the Bible together would mean that his wife, Margaret, also commits herself to the pledge.
“I promised to uphold family values and by having her stand alongside me, we will not only be vowing individually as recognised by the Constitution but also collectively as recognised by our marriage vows also enshrined in the law,” he explained.
He at the same time clarified that his wife would hold the Bible with him and not for him, to remind him of the promises he made to Kenyans.
Kenyatta added that the significant act would also serve as an assurance that family obligations would not interfere with his duties as president.
“She will be committing herself to ensure she reminds me of my promise to the Kenyan people and also assuring Kenyans that family obligations will not interfere with my execution of duties as president,” he said.
The announcement this week elicited a great debate with a cross section of Kenyans supporting it while others argued that it was ill informed.
Some of those who spoke to Capital FM News commended him while some even argued that the act symbolised a transfer of power from Kenyatta to his wife.
“If he has a strong family, I can assure you we shall have a strong government. His wife will always be there to remind him of the promises,” Francis Njogu commented.
“Uhuru is trying to ape US President Barack Obama but Obama does not have the ICC case tying him down. Most people are trying to imagine that once Uhuru leaves for The Hague, he will leave the powers to his wife,” argued Wycliffe Omondi.
“I may not have been your supporter nor am I happy that you won, but by bringing ur dear wife on board, you have convinced me that our mothers should look up to you and ur wife. Congrats Mheshimiwa!” Mohammed Hassan posted on Facebook.
“All Kenyans should emulate our next President. This is a message to women who have always cried for gender balance,” Tando Rajura said.
This will not be the first time a president-elect holds the Bible together with his wife while taking the oath of office.
Obama took his oath placing his hand on the Bible that was held by First Lady Michelle as his daughters looked on.
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