Kenya election 2022: William Ruto sworn in as president

About 60,000 people packed a stadium in Kenya’s capital to witness William Ruto’s inauguration as president following his election win last month.

At least eight people are reported to have been injured in a crush as they jostled to enter the stadium in Nairobi.

Defeated candidate Raila Odinga said he would not be present as he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.

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

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

At least 20 heads of state were expected to witness the inauguration.

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta has stepped down at the end of his two terms.

Mr Kenyatta backed Mr Odinga in the election, saying Mr Ruto was unworthy to serve as president.

It led to a massive fallout between the two men, and Mr Kenyatta congratulated Mr Ruto on his win only a day before his inauguration.

Mr Kenyatta said he was committed to a peaceful transition and urged the new president to serve all Kenyans.

In a statement, Mr Odinga said he had received a call from Mr Ruto inviting him to the inauguration, but that he would not attend as he was abroad and he did not believe the election was free and fair.

This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous judgment, confirming Mr Ruto’s victory and dismissing Mr Odinga’s concerns that the election was marred by widespread irregularities.

Mr Ruto won after portraying himself as a “hustler” who was challenging an attempt by two dynasties – the Odingas and Kenyattas – to hang on to power.

He promised a “bottoms-up” approach to the economy to tackle the high unemployment rate among young people, and to improve the lives of those less well off.