Kenyatta sworn in as Kenya's president after disputed vote

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Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term as president of Kenya by the Supreme Court's chief justice on Tuesday, marking the end of a month-long electoral dispute. His deputy William Ruto also took the oath.

Chinese envoy Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and other foreign delegations attended the inauguration in Nairobi.

Kenyatta's swearing-in ceremony was held amid tight security in Nairobi and its environs. Security had been heightened both inside and outside the stadium where the ceremony was taking place, with heavily armed military officers manning the location.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta waves upon his arrival to his inauguration ceremony at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, November 28, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The Supreme Court annulled Kenyatta's election win in August's election due to "illegalities and irregularities," but upheld last week his re-election in an October poll which saw the absence of main rival Raila Odinga.

It remains to be seen what the president will do to mend the country's ethnic divisions and unify all its citizens.

Uhuru Kenyatta, 56, son of the country's founding father Jomo Kenyatta, was the youngest president when he took the oath in 2013 at age 52.

Supporters of Kenyan opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition set tires on fire in Embakasi, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, November 28, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Kenyatta vows to 'unite' Kenya

In his inauguration speech, Kenyatta vowed to be the leader of all Kenyans and work to unite the country. "I will devote my time and energy to build bridges, to unite and bring prosperity," he said in front of a cheering crowd.

Opposition leader Odinga was meant to attend the "memorial rally" to honor the more than 50 people killed, mostly by police, in four months of political upheaval. But police kept the planned venue strictly sealed off.

The election revealed deep ethnic divisions in East Africa's largest economy. Kenyatta is a member of the Kikuyu, Kenya's largest community, while Odinga is from the Luo community, which some say has been marginalized in recent years.

Kenya Defense Forces fire salutes during the inauguration ceremony to swear in President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, November 28, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"Within the political world, it is normal to have political differences but that does not mean we can't co-exist and live together in peace," Kenyatta said at a church service on Sunday, urging the country's politicians to work together and build a stronger Kenya.

"Like in any competition, there will be winners and losers but in terms of the election we are all winners as Kenyans," he added. "Our responsibility after the political competition is to come together and work to build the nation."

Kenyatta's victory marred by low turnout

The Supreme Court in September annulled the August 8 election due to "irregularities and illegalities." However, the decision, a rare victory for Odinga, only deepened acrimony and protests that left 52 dead since the first election.

People celebrate as Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta takes the oath of office at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, November 28, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Odinga withdrew from the October ballot which he urged his followers to boycott, saying it would be unfair because the election commission had failed to implement reforms.

The boycott handed Kenyatta a landslide victory of 98 percent, though voter turnout was only 39 percent.

In a statement, Odinga said the Supreme Court's ruling on November 20 to uphold Kenyatta's victory "did not come as a surprise," nor did it alter his opposition to a government he regards as illegitimate.

"It was a decision taken under duress. We do not condemn the court, we sympathize with it," he said.

Kenyatta was elected by "just a small section of the country," according to the opposition leader.

Residents in the opposition stronghold of Kisumu in western Kenya were not happy with Kenyatta's inauguration, BBC reported on Tuesday.

"I am going to peacefully accept and move on but I won't recognize this presidency," said one man.

A woman refused to "move on." "A large part of the country did not vote – Kisumu being a major part that did not vote – and so we feel that it's not time to move on," she said. "It will not be an easy thing to do."

(With inputs from AFP, Reuters, Xinhua)

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