By John Ikani
William Ruto was on Tuesday, September 13 sworn into office as Kenya’s fifth president.
At 12:45pm, Ruto took the oath of office, succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta, who served between 2013 and 2022.
Mr Ruto was handed a copy of Kenya’s constitution and a sword to represent the transfer of power.
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.
Kenyatta backed Mr Odinga in the election, saying Mr Ruto was unworthy to serve as president but congratulated Mr Ruto on his win only a day before his inauguration.
Mr Kenyatta said he was committed to a peaceful transition and urged the new president to serve all Kenyans.
Religion was a persistent theme throughout the swearing in ceremony, with leaders from the Christian and Islamic faiths offering prayers for the new president.
Bishop Mark Kariuki said God had showcased his might by elevating Mr Ruto, who was once a road-side chicken seller, to the presidency.
The inauguration comes a week after the Supreme Court upheld an election that dashed the hopes of the nation’s most prominent political families and handed power to a man who began his career as a roadside chicken seller.
Defeated candidate Raila Odinga did not attend, saying as he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.
Mr Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to 48.8% clinched by former prime minister Odinga.
Mr Odinga has alleged that the result was rigged, but the Supreme Court ruled the election was free and fair.
