Opposition Chief Raila Odinga has sent out invitation cards to his swearing-in ceremony on December 12, a move showing he is not about to back down.
The invitation card was posted on NASA’s telegram channel.
It has not stated the venue of the swearing-in ceremony. It read that the venue will be communicated after thorough vetting of those expected to attend.
Raila broke the news of his swearing in on Tuesday at Donholm where he stopped briefly to address his supporters.
Together with other NASA leaders, he was expected to lead a memorial service of slain NASA supporters by police at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East.
The rally disguised as a memorial service never took place.
Raila said: “I will be sworn-in as President through the People’s Assembly and get into State House on December 12. Uhuru Kenyatta is not the President of Kenya. We will not be sworn-in like [Ugandan Opposition leader Kizza] Besigye. We will be sworn-in like it was done with [Emmerson] Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe,” said Raila as quoted by the Star.
This was minutes after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto took oath of office at Kasarani.
Raila’s announcement is likely to open a new battle front with Jubilee administration.
He said he will be sworn-in through the People’s Assembly-a wing within the NASA coalition created to push for reforms within the electoral and governance system of the country.
Early this month, a Kitui High Court barred all 47 county assemblies from discussing and implementing NASA’s motion for formation of People’s Assembly.
But in a show of defiance, Kwale County Assembly on Friday passed the motion giving NASA an upperhand to continue with its swearing-in plans.
Mombasa County Assembly is expected to pass the motion on December 6. In total, 11 county assemblies will have passed the motion.
On Friday, a seven-member organizing team for the People’s Assembly was unveiled.
The team will be led by economist David Ndii. Former EALA MP Peter Mathuki, ex-nominated Senator Judith Sijeny, Hamida Kibwana, Dr Mutakha Kangu, Oduor Ong’wen, Koitamet ole Kina are also part of the team.
Lawyer Nelson Havi, linked to NASA says creation of People’s Assembly is not an illegality.
He cited Article 1 of the Constitution as read together with Sections 87 to 91 of County Governments Act permitting establishment of People’s Assembly.
Jubilee protégées have dismissed Raila’s bid to take over power as a mirage.
Government is yet to issue an official statement on what will happen should Raila be sworn-in as “President”.