William Ruto is sworn in as fifth president of Kenya

President-elect William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been sworn to office as the fifth president of Kenya on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

The ceremony was conducted by Judiciary registrar Anne Amadi and witnessed by Chief Justice Martha Koome. 

President wife Mama Rachel Ruto and Rigathi wife Dorcas also stood by their husband and celebrated one of their greatest achievements. 

Ruto took two oaths of office, beginning with the oath of allegiance followed by the execution of the office of the president.

“I, William Samoei Ruto, in full realisation of the high calling I assume as 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 the 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,” the president read, holding the Bible in hand.

Upon taking the two oaths, Ruto appended his signature before Attorney General Kihara Kariuki and the President of the Supreme Court. He also signed his certificate of inauguration.

The Chief Justice presented the certificate to President Ruto, the last process of his assumption of office.

Koome then invited the outgoing Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta, accompanied by the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi to hand him the tools of power –  the Sword of Honour and the Constitution.

Uhuru’s presidential Standard, a dark blue flag with a dove symbol was lowered while Ruto’s light-green flag with a yellow wheelbarrow was hoisted, a symbol of change of guard.

Kenyans congregated at the sports facility were asked to be up on their feet for the National Anthem. Ruto was then honoured with a 21-gun salute by the military.

According to the interior ministry, 60,000 people, including 20 heads of states, attended the event scheduled to be held at Kasarani Stadium.