Elated residents follow swearing-in ceremony on giant screens outdoors and TV

Some of the people took cover in eateries in town from where they continued watching the event. The eateries made record sales as a result.

Eldoret town, the commercial hub of the North Rift region, had unusually few residents as most families followed Dr Ruto's inauguration on a day that had also been declared a public holiday.

There was less traffic in the usually busy streets as most residents remained indoors.

"I decided to watch the event on TV at home rather than make the long trip to Nairobi. We are glad as we witness a peaceful transition in our beloved country," Paul Rotich, a resident of Nandi, told The Standard.

Marusin Kogo from North Rift said he chose to remain at home and follow the swearing-in ceremony on TV.

"As Kenyans, we are happy that the entire electioneering period and the transition has been peaceful, and we expect the new government to deliver services equally to all citizens without bias," said Mr Kogo.

In Nyeri County, residents followed the swearing-in at Whispers Park, where a screen was mounted by the county government.

The busy streets of Nyeri were abandoned as locals who were not at Whispers or at hotels stayed indoors to follow the proceedings at home.

Governor Mutahi Kahiga's administration also facilitated another screen at Karatina market in Mathira Constituency, which is the home of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Locals who spoke with The Standard said they were keen on the Kasarani affairs as their son was being sworn in as the deputy president.

John Ndiritu said Gachagua had raised Nyeri County to national status for the second time after it produced the third president Mwai Kibaki.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu who watched the swearing-in from his Nanyuki offices said the issue of insecurity would after all be dealt with as Ruto had promised.

Revellers following the swearing-in at a restaurant in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

James Macharia, a businessman, said Ruto must keep the promises he made to uplift the common mwananchi.

In Kisumu's Kondele residents went on with their businesses as usual. Only a handful sat in groups to discuss the regime change.

Fredrick Owino, a boda boda operator, claimed that they believe the time for revenge is in the past and that all Kenyans will be treated equally.

"We are hoping that the president will consider the region also. We do not want Nyanza to be treated as an opposition zone again," said Owino.

In Bondo, it was business as usual. A few residents followed the inauguration at a movie shop. They urged the president to heal the country.

In Migori County, residents said they are optimistic the region will not be marginalised.

A number of residents followed the inauguration on radio and TV in their homes. Many went on with their businesses as usual. "We have been in opposition. Whether Ruto absorbs us in his government or not we will still survive," Martin Ouma said.

Suna West MP Peter Masara said Ruto' should consider all Kenyans.

"Let him serve his term. We will not make noise about what he decides," Mr Masara said.

[Reporting by Titus Too, Phares Mutembei, Boniface Gikandi, Ndungu Gachane, Anne Atieno, Clinton Ambujo, Isaiah Gwengi, Yvonne Chepkwony and James Munyeki.]