Newly sworn in President, Dr William Ruto, has promised that he will serve all Kenyans equally and will not discriminate against anyone based on their political leanings.

Addressing Kenyans for the first time as president at Kasarani on Tuesday, Dr Ruto also extended an olive branch to his political rivals in the August 9 poll to back his presidency.

In his speech, he congratulated Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua for their vigorous campaign.

“Their participation enhanced competition and enriched public debate that underpins democratic choice. I assure them that their supporters will be my constituents. I will work with all Kenyans irrespective of who they voted for,” President Ruto said.


He lauded the Judiciary for their verdict on the presidential petition, electoral body IEBC for its handling of the August poll terming it democratic, and Kenyans for maintaining peace.

“It’s also appropriate to celebrate our Judiciary for sustaining its tradition of boldly giving us much-needed guidance, especially in playing post-election grievances in a sensitive, credible and authoritative manner,” he added.


He at the same time thanked his wife, First Lady Rachel Ruto and his family for standing by him and praying for him and his Kenya Kwanza coalition team during his race to State House

“By the grace of God we have gotten here and, let me say that, standing here is a testimony that there is a God in heaven, and today I want to thank God because a village boy has become the president of Kenya,” the fifth president added.


Dr Ruto relieved what he termed as the suffering those who opted to associate with him and his presidential bid underwent, especially in president Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term.

“I want to thank my friends who have gone through this difficult journey with me, many of who have gone through difficult times for their association with me,” Ruto intimated.


He was sworn into office on Tuesday afternoon and immediately received the instruments of power from President Kenyatta during an elaborate event held at Kasarani Stadium.


Among Heads of State who attended the inauguration are Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo.