William Ruta has been sworn in as the new President of Kenya. 20 heads of state from across Africa and thousands of people attended the ceremony at Nairobi Stadium on Tuesday.
Ruto, who has served as deputy president since 2013, narrowly won last month’s election. Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president since the country gained independence in 1963.
Last month, Kenya held peaceful elections in which Ruto was declared the winner.
Kenya’s newly elected president has praised the country’s judiciary and electoral commission following the just-concluded general elections. According to him, these institutions maintained their independence both before and after the elections.
Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president in front of thousands of Kenyans and international dignitaries at the Kasarani Stadium.
Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president in front of thousands of Kenyans and international dignitaries at the Kasarani Stadium. He says that democracy involves the unification of rivals, not a decisive rivalry.
“The performance of our security services, IEBC and judiciary has been severely tested. Overall, these establishments met our expectations. We can only strive for the best in the future and I promise that my administration will work to raise the bar even higher in the next general election,” says Ruto.
Echoing Chief Justice Martha Kume, President Ruto, well aware of his high calling, says: “As President, I presume to be loyal and true to the Republic of Kenya.”
William Ruta sworn in as the 5th President of Kenya:
“We want to see less and less government in people’s lives and more and more services for the people of Kenya,” Ruto’s deputy Rigati Gachagua told state broadcaster KBC.
The 60,000-capacity Kasarani Sports Center in the capital, Nairobi, was packed with Ruto supporters dressed in the yellow and green colors of his party. They danced and waved miniature national flags, while music played from the stands.
The National Police Service tweeted that the stadium was full and asked that no one else try to attend.
“He’s our young guy! I know he will give us more opportunities,” said dancer Juma Dominic as he and his troupe warmed up before performing in front of the crowd.
Ruto served as Kenyatta’s deputy since 2013, but they parted ways after the 2017 election. Kenyatta endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga as his successor in the August election and condemned Ruto as unfit for the job.
“Mr. President-elect, as you walk the path to your inauguration and beyond, you will be the president not only for those who voted for you, but for all Kenyans,” Kenyatta said in an address on Monday night in which he wished Ruto well. .
Video: William Ruto to be sworn in as Kenya’s 5th President today
