Raila Odinga swearing in. He was on Tuesday 'sworn in' as the people's president. [Photo/Businessdaily]
Raila Odinga on Tuesday took the oath as the people’s president, after insisting that he will never recognize President Kenyatta’s government. By doing so, Odinga joined other leaders across Africa who have taken the oath parallel to incumbent presidents.
Here are some of the leaders who have sworn themselves in as presidents.
1. Kissa Besigye
Uganda’s Opposition leader Kizza Besigye has over the years had a fight with president Yoweri Museveni.In 2016, he unceremoniously swore himself in as the president of Uganda, before he was arrested.“I Kizza Besigye swear in the name of God…..” he started, declaring himself as People's President and a rightful leader.Besigye evaded police block and got into the city for his ceremony but was, however, unceremoniously arrested after the “swearing in ceremony” and held by the Ugandan police.
2. Etienne Tshisekedi
DRC Congo’s Tshisekedi, 79, who came second in the November 28, 2011 polls, defied a police ban on his “inauguration”, which had been planned for a football stadium in the capital where police fired teargas to prevent the planned ceremony.And just like Raila, he had boycotted the elections.He was later arrested and detained without trial.
3. Jean Ping
Similarly, in Gabon, Opposition leader Jean Ping declared himself president and called for a recount of the vote. A recount was carried out and confirmed incumbent President Ali Bongo's win in the polls. However, Mr Ping maintained, “The whole world knows who is president of the Republic, it’s me Jean Ping.
4. Moshood Abiola
Abiola declared himself president during the military rule of Sani Abacha. He was subsequently arrested and charged with treason.
He was jailed for four years until 1995.