William Ruto sworn in as Kenya’s president

William Ruto has been sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president following his victory over Raila Odinga in a bitterly fought but largely peaceful election.

The event took place at the Karasani Stadium, Kenya, was witnessed by foreign leaders, including Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

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He was sworn in by the Chief Judge, Martha Koome, on Tuesday.

The 55-year-old took the oath of office on a copy of Kenya’s constitution, five weeks to the day since the August 9 poll, assuming the reins of a country gripped by drought and a cost-of-living crisis.

With his inauguration, Ruto becomes the second ethnic Kalenjin after the late Daniel Arap Moi to hold the office.

Defeated candidate Raila Odinga did not attend, saying as he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.

Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Odinga’s 48.8%.

Odinga had alleged that the result was rigged, but the Supreme Court ruled the election was free and fair.

At least eight people were reported to have been injured in a crush as they jostled to enter the stadium to witness the swearing in of both Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

But inside the stadium the crowd was in high-spirits, with frequent cheering, waiving the Kenyan flag, and pockets of groups proudly wearing yellow – the colour synonymous with Ruto’s campaign.