President Uhuru Kenyatta when he was sworn in on April 2013. [Photo: dw.com]Opposition MPs have said they will boycott Tuesday’s (today) opening of the 12th Parliament by President Uhuru Kenyatta which will be the first joint sitting of the bicameral Parliament.The MPs and senators have said they will boycott the ceremony, arguing that the President has no powers to convene the new Parliament.Nasa co-principal and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula was on Monday were quoted saying Kenyatta is 'a lame-duck President'.Similarly, Nasa flag bearer Raila Odinga during a Nasa campaign rally last weekend said that Uhuru 'ananing'inia tu kwa muda, hana nguvu zozote za kuitisha bunge' (Uhuru is just hanging around for a while, he has no powers to open Parliament).Well, while Uhuru may be exercising temporary incumbency which reduces his powers greatly, he still maintains unrivalled powers meaning he is still the most powerful person in Kenya. This is why.Uhuru can still address the opening of each newly elected Parliament, remains the Head of State and Government, exercises the executive authority of the Republic, with the assistance of the Deputy President and Cabinet Secretaries.He also remains the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces and the chairperson of the National Security Council.During this period, however, he, cannot nominate or appoint judges or any other public officials as required by law. He also cannot nominate, appoint or dismiss Cabinet Secretaries and other State or Public officers.The Constitution also bars him from nominating, appointing or dismissing high commissioners, ambassadors, or diplomatic or consular representative.Similarly, Uhuru cannot exercise the power of mercy and does not have the authority to confer honours in the name of the people and the Republic.

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