President William Ruto on Tuesday, September 13, took his oath of office as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya.
In his maiden speech, the president singled out IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati for standing firm and resisting intimidation during the August 9 general election.
President Ruto said that Chebukati did the right thing, adding that the IEBC oversaw a transparent and credible election whose result faithfully reflected the democratic will of the people of Kenya.
“IEBC did the right thing under challenging circumstances. It is appropriate to single out for special mention the chair of the IEBC, Wafula Chebukati, for standing firm and resisting intimidation and blackmail and doing the right thing” President Ruto said.
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He further said that the judiciary has successfully arbitrated three election disputes and defended the nation against formidable onslaughts on the Constitution.
According to the Head of State, it was by the grace of God that he ascended to power, and his election was a testimony that there is a God in heaven.
“I want to thank God because a village boy has become the President of Kenya,” President Ruto stated.
The Head of State went ahead to appreciate Kenyans who mobilized his hustler campaign to execute a historic revolutionary feat.
President Ruto further recognized his closest competitor in the concluded presidential polls, Raila Odinga, adding that he will work with his supporters.
“Special recognition goes to my worthy competitor and friend, Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua... I assure them that their supporters will be my constituents and I will work with all Kenyans irrespective of who they voted for,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State promised to open every door of opportunity to ambitious Kenyans until their success stories become the norm.
“Dreams and ambitions live in the hearts of Kenyans who struggle daily against daunting odds often with nothing except stubborn hope… I promise to throw open every door of opportunity and keep them open until success stories become the norm,” the President said.