Uhuru Kenyatta sworn in for a second five year term Daily Brief Tuesday November 28 2017

President Uhuru Kenyatta takes the oath of office

Nairobi, Kenya

Uhuru Kenyatta was today sworn in for a second five-year term as president of the Republic Kenya after the country experienced one of the longest election periods in its short post-independence history. The president vowed to overcome Kenya's divisions and start reconciliatory processes in order to rebuild a nation that is deeply divided along ethnic lines. The president, in his address, said he would try to incorporate some of the opposition's ideas "in the spirit of inclusivity".

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by nine regional heads of state including the heads of states from Rwanda, Botswana, South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia. In a move to improve intercontinental ties, the president announced that all Africans will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at a port of entry without seeking reciprocity from other African nations. This is a welcome move toward easing travel restrictions across the continent.

Supporters of Uhuru Kenyyatta at the stadium cheering him on

Thousands of supporters thronged Kasarani stadium in Nairobi to witness the event with the opposition boycotting the event. The opposition held a rally at the Jacaranda grounds in Nairobi that were marked by violence and running battles with the police. Opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who has termed Kenyatta's victory illegitimate, vowed to be sworn in on December 12 by the Peoples Assembly.

Smoke spews out as opposition supporters set up barricades along the roads to protest the swearing in of Uhuru Kenyatta

The president begins his second term with a full plate. He has to re-energize the economy that has been deeply impacted by the political uncertainty plaguing the country for the last four months. He has to unite the country that is deeply divided along ethnic lines. He has to end financial impropriety in government that has hindered economic progress in the country for decades. There is also an urgent need to create millions of jobs for the unemployed youth and ensure that the country is food secure after the nation endured a prolonged drought that led to food shortages.

Will the president deliver on his promises or will the Kenyan people be yet again disappointed by their leadership?