Tens of 1000’s of individuals cheered as William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s president at a ceremony within the capital Nairobi following his slender election win final month.
Mr Ruto hailed it as “a second like no different”, including {that a} “village boy” had change into president.
Defeated candidate Raila Odinga didn’t attend. He stated he had “severe issues” about his opponent’s victory.
Mr Ruto received the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Mr Odinga’s 48.8%.
Mr Odinga has alleged that the end result was rigged, however the Supreme Court docket has dominated the election was free and truthful.
Mr Ruto – the previous deputy president – was handed a duplicate of Kenya’s structure and a sword to signify the switch of energy from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Together with his hand on a Bible, the 55-year-old swore to protect and defend the structure.
“Standing right here immediately is testimony that there’s God in heaven. I need to thank God as a result of a village boy has change into the president of Kenya,” Mr Ruto stated, referring to the truth that he grew up in rural Kenya.
He additionally had conciliatory phrases for Mr Odinga, and all his opponents.
“Their supporters will likely be my constituents. I’ll work with all Kenyans no matter who they voted for,” Mr Ruto stated.
There was additionally a handshake between the outgoing Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, his former deputy with whom he fell out throughout their second time period in workplace.
New Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated the Ruto administration marked “freedom” for Kenya, and the times when individuals had been focused due to their affiliation with him “are over”.
Earlier, a minimum of eight individuals had been reported to have been injured in a crush as they jostled to enter the stadium to witness the ceremony.
However inside the group was in high-sprits, with frequent cheering, waving of the Kenyan flag, and teams of individuals proudly carrying yellow – the color synonymous with Mr Ruto’s marketing campaign.
About 20 heads of state from throughout Africa attended the occasion.
Faith was a persistent theme all through the swearing in ceremony, with leaders from the Christian and Islamic faiths providing prayers for the brand new president.
Bishop Mark Kariuki stated God had showcased his would possibly by elevating Mr Ruto, who was as soon as a road-side hen vendor, to the presidency.
Mr Kenyatta has stepped down on the finish of his two phrases. He backed Mr Odinga within the election, saying Mr Ruto was unworthy to function president.
Mr Kenyatta congratulated Mr Ruto on his win solely a day earlier than his inauguration.
Mr Kenyatta stated he was dedicated to a peaceable transition and urged the brand new president to serve all Kenyans.
In a press release, Mr Odinga stated he had acquired a name from Mr Ruto inviting him to the inauguration, however that he wouldn’t attend as he was overseas and he didn’t imagine the election was free and truthful.
That is although the Supreme Court docket handed down a unanimous judgment, confirming Mr Ruto’s victory and dismissing Mr Odinga’s issues that the election was marred by widespread irregularities.
Mr Ruto received after portraying himself as a “hustler” who was difficult an try by two dynasties – the Odingas and Kenyattas – to hold on to energy.
He promised a “bottoms-up” method to the economic system to sort out the excessive unemployment fee amongst younger individuals, and to enhance the lives of these much less nicely off.