By Standard Team

Kirinyaga, Kenya:  Business in most parts of Kirinyaga County came to a standstill as residents thronged social places to watch live proceedings of the swearing in of Uhuru Kenyatta as President.

Transport operators also grounded their vehicles as early as 7am and allowed their crew to watch the proceedings from wide screens mounted in various bus parks within the county.

Bars, restaurants and hotels were a beehive of activities as curious residents jammed the facilities to watch the ceremony.

Tears shed

Shortly after 4pm, a few public transport vehicles started operating as travellers were scarce since most of them opted to either follow the ceremony from their homes or in social places.

Open-air electronic dealers provided the large audience with their television facilities free of charge.

One such dealer, James Muchiri, said he made the free offer after realising most of the jua kali traders in Kerugoya town did not have television sets to monitor the ceremony.

“In a small way I was able to provide my two television sets free of charge to Kerugoya residents within my open air business premises, as a sign of patriotism and brotherhood,” Muchiri said.

Meanwhile, tears were shed, hugs exchanged, backs patted and prayers recited as tens of IDPs in various camps in Naivasha followed as Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn-in as fourth President.

They expressed confidence that the incoming Government would address their problems. A visit to the Jikaze IDP camp in Mai Mahiu found families crowded in their mud-walled rooms keenly following the proceedings.

Ms Rose Wanjiku said the historical event marked an important day in their lives.

“This is a great day and we hope the Jubilee Government will make true its promise of resettling us in 100 days,” she said.

Wanjiku said their resettlement was shrouded in confusion as it was been postponed now and then.

“We were supposed to be resettled last month and we even did packing but the exercise has been called off several times,” she said.

In Naivasha, bars and hotels were packed to capacity as locals followed the proceedings live on TV.

Residents braved heavy rains pounding the town to celebrate the event, saying the day marked a major change in the country.

-By Vincent Mabatuk, Antony Gitonga, Michael Saitoti and Munene Kamau