Willliam Kiphirchir Samoei Ruto is the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya.
Ruto took oath of office on Tuesday, September 13, at the Moi International Sports Centre in a ceremony conducted by Judiciary registrar Anne Amadi and witnessed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
His wife, Mama Rachel Ruto also stood by her husband and celebrated one of his greatest achievements.
“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.
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.