William Ruto sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president

NAIROBI – William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president on Tuesday, succeeding Uhuru Kenyatta, who has served his constitutionally mandated two five-year terms.

It comes a week after the Supreme Court threw out a lawsuit from a veteran opposition leader challenging his victory.

On August 15, the former deputy president was declared the winner of Kenya’s presidential election after narrowly beating his rival, Raila Odinga, with 50.5 percent of the vote, according to the official results.

In the ceremony held at Kasarani stadium William Ruto took two oaths.

“I, William Samoei Ruto, in full realization 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,” Ruto said as he read the oath.

“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.”