William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth President of Tuesday, in the presence of about 60,000 people packed at a stadium in Kenya's capital to witness Ruto's inauguration following his election win last month. He was sworn in by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, in the presence of Chief Justice Martha Koome. This is coming a week after the Supreme Court upheld an election that dashed the hopes of the nation’s most prominent political families and handed power to a man who began his career as a roadside chicken seller. The 55-year-old took the oath of office on a copy of kenya's constitution, five weeks to the day since the August 9 poll, assuming the reins of a country gripped by drought and a cost-of-living crisis.
He was declared the winner on August 15, after defeating long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga, who subsequently petitioned the win in the Supreme Court where the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.
Mr. Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Mr. Odinga's 48.8%.
Defeated candidate Odinga declined to attend the inauguration stating he would not be present as he had "serious concerns" about his opponent's victory.
Mr. Odinga has alleged that the result was rigged, but the Supreme Court has ruled the election was free and fair.
Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta has stepped down at the end of his two terms.
Mr. Kenyatta backed Mr. Odinga in the election, saying Mr. Ruto was unworthy to serve as president.
It led to a massive fallout between the two men, and Mr. Kenyatta congratulated Mr. Ruto on his win only a day before his inauguration.
Mr. Kenyatta had noted that he was committed to a peaceful transition and urged the new president to serve all Kenyans.
Ruto, who served as deputy president for the past 10 years, takes over at a time of surging food and fuel prices, high unemployment and rising debt profile.
