After a contentious political season in Kenya, William Ruto was sworn in as the country's fifth president on Tuesday, September 13. This marked the beginning of a new era.
Ruto took the oath of office at 12:45 p.m. East African Standard Time (EAT), succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had served for two terms between 2013 and 2022.
The event, which took place at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani in Nairobi County, was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
“I William Samoei Ruto, in full realisation of the high calling, I assume as the President of the Republic of Kenya, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, preserve, protect and defend this Constitution of Kenya as by law established and all other laws of the Republic, and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty, integrity, and dignity of the people of Kenya, so help me God,” said Ruto during his swearing-in.
The newly elected leader then took the oath of due execution of office as president of the Republic of Kenya.
Promises a Kenya that works for all
In his inaugural address as Kenya's president, Ruto vowed to work for all Kenyans, regardless of whether they cast a vote for him or not.
In addition, Ruto congratulated Kenyans for exhibiting the maturity of their democracy, the sturdiness of their institutions, and the resiliency of the Kenyan people as he addressed the tens of thousands of Kenyan citizens who had joined regional heads of state in a jam-packed Kasarani Stadium.
“I will work with all Kenyans irrespective of who they voted for. I promise to make every Kenyan proud.,” Ruto said.
August 9, 2022 is when he defeated Raila Odinga in this year's presidential elections. Odinga had the support of the now-former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
On September 5, the Supreme Court affirmed his victory with a majority decision, rejecting the accusations of fraud and poor management made by his rivals.
The self-described "hustler" declared that Raila's supporters will suddenly be his constituents in his address.
He also expressed gratitude to the judiciary for putting up a fight against intimidation.
“It is appropriate to celebrate our judiciary for sustaining its tradition of boldly giving guidance, especially in resolving grievances in a sensitive, credible and authoritative manner,” Ruto said.
A glimpse of what’s to come
Ruto also gave Kenyans a preview of what to anticipate from his administration through the changes he announced in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Inspector-General (IG), the Port of Mombasa, and the six justices on the Court of Appeal.
He announced that he will appoint six judges rejected by now former president Uhuru Kenyatta, and that from next week, fertilizer will be sold at Ksh3,500 from Ksh6,500.
