William Samorei Ruto has officially been declared as President of Kenya after his swearing-in ceremony which took place on Tuesday in the Moi International Sports Centre at the Kasarani Stadium, Kenya.

He was sworn in by the nation’s Chief Judge, Martha Koome. 

After swearing an oath of allegiance and another oath for the execution of the functions of the office, Ruto was declared the fifth President of Independent Kenya.

Earlier on, the outgoing president, Uhuru Kenyatta, had congratulated Ruto on his victory in the August 9 election.

Uhuru said, “My family and I join all Kenyans in wishing the very best to our next President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and extending to him our warmest congratulations for receiving the mandate of Kenyans to lead us as our 5th president.”

Speaking on his new leadership role, Ruto said, “Standing here today is testimony that there is God in heaven. I want to thank God because a village boy has become the president of Kenya.”

He also had conciliatory words for his main political opponent, Raila Odinga and other opponents.

“Their supporters will be my constituents. I will work with all Kenyans irrespective of who they voted for”, Ruto noted.

Meanwhile, some African leaders such as Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda among others graced the inauguration ceremony.

Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande made the VP’s visit known in a tweet which read, “VP Osinbajo now in Nairobi, Kenya where he is representing Nigeria at the inauguration of Dr. William Ruto as Kenya’s fifth President today.”

“On arrival, VP congratulates the people of Kenya on this celebration of democracy, and added, God bless the Republic of Kenya,” the tweet concluded.

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