President-elect, William Ruto and his deputy-elect, Rigathi Gachagua, were inaugurated on Tuesday, September 13, at the Kasarani Stadium.
Kenyans thronged the stadium in large numbers to witness the historic event. Further, a heavy security detail was present at the Kasarani stadium to maintain order in preparation for the swearing-in ceremony.
The much-anticipated ceremony that is currently underway, commenced at 10 am and is expected to end in the afternoon.
"The oath or affirmation under subsection (1) shall be administered to the President-elect by the Chief Registrar before the Chief Justice, or, in the absence of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, not earlier than 10.00 am and not later than 2.00 pm," reads part of the Assumption of the Office of President Act.
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The ceremony kicked off with the outgoing president, Uhuru Kenyatta inspecting the parade by the Kenya Defence Forces.
Judiciary then lead the swearing-in process where Uhuru handed over the instruments of power and authority; the sword and the Constitution, to Ruto.
The Kenya Navy fired a 21-gun salute in honour of the new president. Uhuru's Standard was lowered as Ruto's Standard was hoisted. His vehicles were fitted with the national flag to the right and his Standard to the left.
Hours before the ceremony, president Uhuru congratulated Ruto on his victory in the August 9 poll.
"As a hallmark of our democracy, therefore, I will, before God and my fellow countrymen, handover the instruments of power to our new president at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and with that, the fourth administration will come to an end and the tenure of the fifth administration will begin."
"My family and I join all Kenyans in wishing the very best to our next President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and extending to him our warmest congratulations for receiving the mandate of Kenyans to lead us as our 5th president," Uhuru stated.
The president reminded his successor that he had the mandate to serve all Kenyans regardless of whether or not they voted for him. The event marked the first meeting between the two after months of what appeared to be irrefutable differences.
