Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi (73) was sworn in yesterday for his fifth and final term, urging the opposition to accept the results of an election they charge was rigged.
At a colourful ceremony at Uhuru Park in the heart of the capital, the "Big Man" who has led Kenya since 1978 celebrated his return to power with a spring in his step and jokes against himself and the opposition.
Surrounded by his adoring wananchi (common people), the gravel-voiced president vowed to dedicate his final five-year term to fighting corruption, eliminating poverty and rebuilding a dilapidated infrastructure.
"Let us set aside personal and ethnic chauvinist interests for the sake of our national interest," he said. "The opposition should play their role - one of constructive criticism rather than divisive tribal politics."
But the opposition was not there to hear his call. The presidential runner-up, Mr Mwai Kibaki, and the third-placed candidate, Mr Raila Odinga, boycotted the ceremony and instead issued demands for a government of national unity to forestall civil strife.
The United States will "work closely" with the newly re-elected President Daniel arap Moi, the White House spokesman, Mr Michael McCurry, said yesterday. Mr McCurry said at a briefing that while the vote was "fraught with some complications", Washington was convinced it "led to the election of a democratic government".
