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It was left to see what President Uhuru Kenyatta would do after the International Criminal Court judges gave the decision for him to attend his trial at the Hague courts. Would he accept the summons or not was what was on the mind of many Kenyans. Today, the President gave his answer during his speech in parliament and subsequent appointment of Deputy President William Ruto as Acting Kenyan President.

President Kenyatta used articles 147 and 134 of the Kenyan Constitution in coming up with his decision.

According to the Constitution, the Deputy President is the principal assistant of the President and deputises for the President in the execution of the President’s function.

Article 147 (3) states that “Subject to Article 137, when the President is absent or is temporarily incapacitated, and during any other period that the President decides, the Deputy President shall act as President”.

The Acting President assumes the following powers as listed in Article 134 (2)

“(a) The nomination and appointment of the judges of the superior courts;

(b) the nomination or appointment of any other public officer whom this Constitution or legislation requires the President 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 commisioner, 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”

After the announcement Kenyans on Twitter were quick to point out the thing they felt the acting President should address on the hashtag #ThingsPresidentRutoShouldAddress

Even his Wikipedia page was quickly updated to signify the new change.

William Ruto - Wikipedia Page