President Uhuru had today met with president-elect Ruto at the state house this evening. President-elect Ruto arrived at around 4 pm. He was welcomed by President Uhuru and the first lady Margaret Kenyatta.

He later addressed the nation and in his speech, he said, ” Tomorrow I will emulate that in our tradition and hand over the mantle to my successor Dr. William Samoei Ruto, and I am profoundly grateful for the honor and privilege that you bestowed upon me to serve as the fourth president of this great republic of Kenya.

In my service to you the people of Kenya I was supported by a cabinet, principal secretaries, holders of constitutional offices, security agencies, our ambassadors, and permanent representatives, in all our missions abroad, and indeed by all public servants. But most importantly you the people of Kenya, Have walked with me each step of the way, cheering me, as the occasion dictated. To you all and to all those who have served with me during my tenure as president please accept my immense and deep gratitude. “

He also stated that tomorrow’s inauguration is a moment for us to come together as one people to pursue the promise of Kenya, as destined by God. Over the last few weeks, the doors of state house and the office of the president have been open to the technical teams from the president-elect’s office so as to facilitate a smooth transition and handover of power. The meeting they had this afternoon is the final step in that process.

Through devolution, the government is now much closer to the people with Kenya shillings of 2.5trillion transferred by the national government to the counties from 2013 to date.

“From my predecessor Mwai Kibaki, we picked up a country that was the 12th largest economy in Africa to its current position as Africa’s 6th largest economy.”

The work of building a nation is passed from one administration to another. Together we have fostered devolution as a way of life. To serve one’s country is the greatest gift one can receive.

He then finished his statement by saying, ” As a hallmark of our democracy therefore I will tomorrow, before God and you my fellow countrymen hand over the instruments of power to our new president, at The Moi International Sports Centr Kasarani. And with that, the fourth administration will come to an end and the tenure of the new administration will begin.

My family and I join all Kenyans in wishing the very best to our next president Dr. William Samoei Ruto and in extending to him our warmest congratulations for receiving the mandate of Kenyans to lead us as our fifth president.”

He also addressed president-elect Ruto that he will not only be president for those who voted for him but for all Kenyans.