William Ruto was on Tuesday, September 13 sworn into office as Kenya’s fifth president. At 12:45pm, Ruto took the oath of office, succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta, who served between 2013 and 2022.
“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 president, thereafter, took the Oath of Due Execution of Office as President of the Republic of Kenya.
This happened a week after the Supreme Court upheld his win against Azimio candidate Raila Odinga. See article. Dr Ruto also received the highest award in the country – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart.
William Ruto swore to preserve and protect the constitution. “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,” Ruto said, referring to the fact that he grew up in rural Kenya.
His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, was also sworn in shortly after him. He said the Ruto administration marked “freedom” for Kenya, and the days when people were targeted because of their association with him “are over.”
The swearing-in and inauguration kicked off with the entry of President Uhuru Kenyatta aboard the Commander in Chief ceremonial vehicle, after which he inspected a full parade mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces under Lt-Col Gilbert Kinanga’s command.
The event was attended by tens of head of states and diplomats from across the world. They included East African Community presidents among others.
