NAIROBI, KENYA: Newly elected President of Kenya Dr William Ruto has been sworn in as the country’s fifth President in a lively event held at the Kasarani International Stadium in Nairobi, the country’s capital.
Dr Ruto flanked by his wife Mrs. Rachel Ruto took the Oath of Office on Tuesday September 13, at 12.44 pm (EAT) in a swearing-in ceremony led by the Judiciary under Chief Justice Martha Koome and the registrar Anne Amadi.
With his hand on a Bible, the 55-year-old swore to preserve and protect the country’s constitution.
Dr Ruto also received the highest award in the country – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart.
His deputy, Mr. Rigathi Gachagua, was also sworn in shortly after his oaths.
The swearing-in and inauguration kicked off with the entry of President Uhuru Kenyatta aboard the Commander in Chief ceremonial vehicle, after which he inspected a full parade mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces under Lt-Col Gilbert Kinanga’s command.
The event was attended by tens of head of states and diplomats from across the world. They included East African Community presidents among others.
There was also a handshake between outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, his former deputy with whom he fell out during their second term in office.
Mr Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Mr Odinga’s 48.8%.
Odinga snubs Ruto’s Swearing-In Ceremony
Defeated candidate Raila Odinga did not attend, saying as he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.
In a statement, Mr Odinga said he had received a call from Mr Ruto inviting him to the inauguration, but that he would not attend as he was abroad and he did not believe the election was free and fair.
This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous judgment, confirming Mr Ruto’s victory and dismissing Mr Odinga’s concerns that the election was marred by widespread irregularities.
Mr Ruto won after portraying himself as a “hustler” who was challenging an attempt by two dynasties – the Odingas and Kenyattas – to hang on to power.
He promised a “bottoms-up” approach to the economy to tackle the high unemployment rate among young people, and to improve the lives of those less well off.
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