Kenya’s new President-elect, William Ruto, 55, was officially sworn in on Tuesday, September 13 at a ceremony attended by some 20 African Heads of State and Government, in the middle of 60,000 people gathered at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, the largest in the capital.
In his swearing-in speech, he vowed to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Kenya”, with one hand resting on the Constitution and the other holding a bible. He promised to work with all Kenyans. “I will work with all Kenyans no matter who they voted for,” he said.
After a tight election and a disputed victory, before being validated by the Supreme Court last week, the new Head of State considered that “in this process, we have demonstrated the maturity of our democracy, the robustness of our institutions and the resilience of the Kenyan people”. For him, “by far the biggest winner of this election is the people of Kenya.”
To the attention of his opponents, the president called for unity. “We are not enemies, we are all Kenyans,” he said.
William Ruto is Kenya’s fifth president since independence. A chicken seller in his youth, he thanked God that “a village boy (has) become president of Kenya”.
Many challenges await the new number one of the country. Economically, Kenya faces high inflation and a debt that reaches 70 billion euros, or about 67% of its GDP.
By OMA Newsletter N° 853 of 13/09/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
