After a close election victory last month, William Ruto was sworn in as president of Kenya in front of tens of thousands of supporters in the nation’s capital, Nairobi. According to the BBC, Mr. Ruto hailed it as “a moment like no other”, adding that a “village boy” had become president.
Defeated candidate Raila Odinga did not attend. He said he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.
Mr. Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Mr. Odinga’s 48.8%. Mr. Odinga has alleged that the result was rigged, but the Supreme Court has ruled the election was free and fair.
According to the BBC, President Uhuru Kenyatta gave a copy of Kenya’s constitution and a sword to Mr. Ruto, the former deputy president, to signify the transfer of power.
The 55-year-old took the oath to defend and uphold the constitution while placing his hand on a Bible.
“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,” Mr. Ruto said, referring to the fact that he grew up in rural Kenya.
