(Photos) William Ruto Sworn in as Kenya’s Fifth President

By Kevin Koech

Posted on 13 September 2022

President William Ruto taking the oath of office PHOTO/COURTESY

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially handed over power to President William Samoei Ruto.

The outgoing Head of State handed over power at the inauguration ceremony at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13.

Moments after taking the oath, Ruto joined Uhuru at the main pavilion where he received the Constitution and the sword.

The two instruments of power are symbols of completion of the transition process according to the Assumption of the Office of the President Act.

Ruto also received the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart award which is bestowed upon the holders of the office of the president.

Immediately Ruto was handed the Constitution, the aide-de-camp quickly shifted from the outgoing president to the incoming president as part of the transition process.

He also sat behind Ruto during the rest of the event.

The Kenya Navy then fired a 21-gun salute in honour of Ruto shortly before his Standard was hoisted to mark the change in guard.

Outgoing President, Uhuru Kenyatta, hands over the instruments of power to President Ruto.#Rutothe5th pic.twitter.com/BbMzPMJqo2

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) September 13, 2022

The ceremony began shortly after Uhuru made his way to the event venue in his maiden car branded ‘C-IN-C’ accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces, Robert Kibochi.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by among other Head of States Silva Kirr of South Sudan, Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Guinea Bissau).

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote was also in attendance.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua taking the oath of office PHOTO/COURTESY

Uhuru had assured Kenyans a smooth transition process.

Speaking during an Azimio parliamentary group on Wednesday, September 7, the Head of State said he is willing to hand over power peacefully.

Uhuru said he will hand over power as stipulated in the constitution but the same doesn’t mean that he supports Ruto.

He retaliated that his choice has always been Raila Odinga.

“I will hand over power smiling because it’s my Constitutional duty but my leader is Baba, Raila Odinga. Politics is not a matter to keep in your pockets,” Uhuru said.