President-elect: How William Ruto made it to the top

President-elect Ruto now takes over from President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he deputised for two terms, following victories in two successive elections in 2013 and 2017.

The final tally of votes from IEBC shows that Ruto won by 7,176,141 against his closest competitor who garnered 6,942,930 votes. This was Ruto's first stab at the presidency.

The other candidates in the race George Wajackoyah garnered 61,969 (0.44 per cent) and Waihiga Mwaure 31,987 (0.23 per cent).

His election brings his ambitions to ascend to the top seat to fruition following a relentless campaign, effectively cementing not just his popularity but his endearment to the people of Kenya.

And in his acceptance speech he said, "To all the people of Kenya, I give you my word that I will work hard to make sure that this nation moves to the next level, is united and is prosperous."

Ruto acknowledged his predecessor President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying they had worked together in various forms.

"I want to commit to the people of Kenya that I will build on the foundation that President Kenyatta and I put together and take this country to the next level," said Ruto.

Now, with the election done and dusted, the former deputy president finds himself in familiar territory, leading his troops once again from the government benches and bringing to life promises made to his supporters in nearly a decade of campaigns.

For the better part of the day yesterday, his supporters swamped his strongholds, and his homes, waiting for his win.

For long spells in his campaign period, he came up against a formidable opponent in the battle-hardened Raila Odinga backed by State machinery.

DP-elect Rigathi Gachagua. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Ruto sidestepped Central Kenya leaders' favourite- Prof Kindiki Kithure- and took a gamble on Gachagua.

But by this time, little mattered. The ground covered by the Ruto juggernaut during years of campaigns gave him an almost unassailable head start that he maintained from gun to tape in the race for the presidency.

Ruto and his campaign team kept the faith and stuck to a rather unfamiliar script that dwelt not just on the issues but on the emotions of the electorate as well, going back to an 'us versus them' mentality that had served him so well in previous campaigns, effectively turning the election into a class war- between the haves and have nots. The hustlers versus the dynasties. A protest vote at a time of great strife within the country.

And as Wafula Chebukati announced his election victory, it was clear that the hard work had paid off. On his first attempt, Ruto beat a rival who was contesting for the presidency for the fifth time and with the endorsement of a sitting president.

For Kenya's new president, the journey to State House has been a long and winding one that on many occasions threatened to derail.

Now, he finds himself not just at the centre of power, but wielding it all. And equally significant, finding himself, almost overnight, with the weight of the nation on his shoulders.

Ruto promised so much during his campaigns. Cheap loans. A turnaround of the agricultural sector. A fund for small businesses and many more ideals that seem unreachable.

Key to his first days as president will be to manage these expectations, including the skyrocketing cost of living. Ruto is now in charge of a government riddled with debt and lacking in public belief. He inherits sins of omission and commission that he contributed to over the past decade.

When he takes the oath of office, he will also be reminded that he has been handed the task of balancing the needs of 14 million voters, almost half who believed his competitor's plans for the future were better.

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