Ruto: I will be a president for all Kenyans

Speaking on Tuesday after taking the oath of office at the Moi International Sports Complex Kasarani, Dr Ruto extended an olive branch to his competitors in the August 9 race to the country’s highest office.

He especially lauded Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua, who he deemed worthy competitors for staging a vigorous campaign.

“Their participation enhanced competition and enriched public debate that underpins democratic choice,” said President Ruto, “I assure them that their supporters will be my constituents. I will work with all Kenyans irrespective of who they voted for.”

The Head of State further thanked Kenyans for maintaining peace throughout the election cycle and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for upholding democracy.

“It’s also appropriate to celebrate our Judiciary for sustaining its tradition of boldly giving us much-needed guidance, especially in playing post-election grievances in a sensitive, credible and authoritative manner,” added the president.

Terming his assumption of office as “a moment like no other,” Dr Ruto who was flanked by First Lady Rachael Ruto and their children thanked his family for always praying for him.

“By the grace of God we have got here and let me say that standing here is a testimony that there is a God in heaven and today I want to thank God because a village boy has become the president of Kenya, I want to thank my wife and family for always praying for me and my team,” said Ruto.

He also thanked his friends for standing with him through thick and thin, saying that most of them had “gone through difficult times for their association with me”.

“I want to thank my friends who have gone through this difficult journey with me, many of who have gone through difficult times for their association with me,” he said.

Dr Ruto took over from President Uhuru Kenyatta in a ceremony that saw over 80,000 attendees pack the international stadium by as early as 5 am.

Various heads of state present at the fete include Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Samia Suluhu (United Republic of Tanzania), Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Wavel Ramkalawan (Seychelles), Umaro Sissoco Embaló (Guinea Bissau) and Felix Tshisekedi (Congo), among others.