Aug 15, 2022 | Deputy President William Ruto makes a speech after being declared President-elect by IEBC/DP
Defying corruption allegations going back years, the ambitious 55-year-old clawed his way to the centre of power by playing on his religious faith and humble beginnings selling chickens by the roadside.
Ruto’s narrow victory in the August 9 election was upheld by the Supreme Court in a unanimous ruling on Monday.
He had painted his election duel against former prime minister Raila Odinga as a battle between ordinary “hustlers” struggling to put food on the table and the elite Kenyatta and Odinga “dynasties” that had dominated Kenyan politics for decades.
“We want everyone to feel the wealth of this country. Not just a few at the top,” Ruto had said as he criss-crossed the country promoting his “bottom-up” economic plan.
The shadowy rags-to-riches businessman had effectively run as a challenger after a very public and acrimonious falling out with outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta, who backed Odinga for the top job.
After he was declared winner by the election commission last month, Ruto had struck a conciliatory tone after his win, vowing to work with “all leaders”.
“There is no room for vengeance,” Ruto said, adding: “I am acutely aware that our country is at a stage where we need all hands on deck.”
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