President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Supreme Court President David Maraga. [Photo/Twitter]
Reports say the Assumption of the Office of the President committee has been hit by a major financial setback.
The team which is working to ensure the swearing-in ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta is a success come November 28, is reportedly struggling to look for cash to ensure its plans are complete.
After a press briefing on Thursday, government spokesperson Eric Kiraithe confirmed to the Star that the team chaired by Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Kinyua, had approached National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, for money.
"As of yesterday (Wednesday) evening, they were struggling and Treasury does not want to hear about money. Officers in charge of protocol and committee on Assumption of the Office of President are really crying,” Kiraithe said after he had addressed the press on swearing-in preparations.
"The committee is still negotiating on the budget with Treasury. The inauguration will be a freaky affair and the committee is struggling to do everything which would enable the event definitely meet the basic standard."
"I know by today all the figures will be available. When a head of state or friends of Kenya are invited, it is expenditure in itself. Treasury is employing a cost-cutting measure which will affect things like entertainment," added Kiraithe.
He attributed the setback on what he said was government's failure to effectively collect revenues due to the prolonged electioneering period.