Faith Nyasuguta
William Ruto has been sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president.
He was sworn in as the crowd at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium cheered and ululated on Tuesday.
As he carried the bible, the crowd from all corners of the stadium cheered.
Wearing a dark grey suit and yellow tie and clutching a Bible as he took the oath of office pledged to “protect and uphold, the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya“.
“I, William Samoei Ruto …. 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,” he said.
He also pledged to “Do justice to all in accordance with this Constitution, as by law established, and the laws of Kenya, without fear, favour, affection or ill-will“.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over the Constitution to Ruto as part of the instruments of power. Former Chief of Kenyan Defence Forces Robert Kibochi watched the handing over at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.
Uhuru watched as his blue presidential standard was lowered on one pole while the presidential standard of the new commander was hoisted.
Immediately after receiving the instruments of power, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) welcomed the new president with the ceremonial 21-gun salute.
The Constitution is handed over as a symbol that the country is governed by the rule of law, which is supposed to be the guide in the choices the President makes.
Ruto’s first order as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces was to command a break on the Guard of Honour that had been inspected by Uhuru before he handed over power.
The ceremonial sword, made of stainless steel handle and a gold-coated blade, which is traditionally kept at the office of the President in Harambee House, Nairobi, was handed over.
Uhuru on Monday held talks with his successor William Ruto and appealed to him to serve all Kenyans equally as he assumes office.
In his valedictory speech to the country — in which for the first time he congratulated Ruto on his victory — Uhuru wished the President-elect success in his service to Kenyans.
“Mr President-elect, as you walk the path to your inauguration and beyond, you will be President not just for those who voted for you but for all Kenyans,” Uhuru told Ruto.
RIGATHI GACHAGUA SWORN IN AS DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Rigathi Gachagua has been sworn in as Kenya’s second in command, the Deputy President, in a colourful ceremony that saw hundreds at the Kasarani stadium on Tuesday.
Carrying the bible, Gachagua promised to obey and protect the constitution as by Law established.
“I Rigathi Gachagua…will diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions, to the best of my judgment; I will at all times, when so required, faithfully and truly give my counsel and advice to the President of the Republic of Kenya;
“I will do justice to all without fear, favour, affection or ill-will; and that I will not directly or indirectly reveal such matters as shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy,” Rigathi pledged.
