Molo MP, Jacob Macharia, has called on all Kenyans to show their support to Deputy President William Ruto as he dispenses his presidential duties.
Ruto is in an acting capacity after President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over power to him as he attended a status conference at The Hague. Kenyatta, who went to the Netherlands as an ordinary citizen, is facing five counts of crimes against humanity. The president has consistently denied any criminal liability and pleaded innocence time and again.
During his address to parliament before he left, Kenyatta said: "My conscience is clear, has been clear, and will remain forever clear that I am innocent of all the accusations levelled against me."
Macharia said that it is important to show support to the DP as he runs the copuntry’s affairs.
“Let us support the acting president as a show of patriotism, this is in the constitution,” said Macharia.
According to the constitution, "Subject to Article 134, when the President is absent or is temporarily incapacitated, and during any other period that the President decides, the Deputy President shall act as the President."
Ruto will act as the president subject to article 134 which states as follows "(1) A person who holds the office of President or who is authorised in terms of this Constitution to exercise the powers of the President— (a) during the period commencing on the date of the first vote in a presidential election, and ending when the newly elected President assumes office; or (b) while the President is absent or incapacitated, or at other times contemplated in Article 147 (3), may not exercise the powers of the President specified in clause (2).
The acting president cannot however nominate or appoint judges of the superior courts; (b) the nomination or appointment of any other public officer whom this Constitution or legislation requires the President to appoint; (c) the nomination or appointment or dismissal of Cabinet Secretaries and other State or Public officers; (d) the nomination or appointment or dismissal of a high commissioner, ambassador, or diplomatic or consular representative; (e) the power of mercy; and (f) the authority to confer honours in the name of the people and the Republic.