William Ruto - who is Kenya's new president - had a childhood that epitomises the lives of many poor Kenyans.
He went to primary school barefoot, wearing his first pair of shoes at the age of 15. He also sold chicken and groundnuts by the roadside in rural areas of the Rift Valley.
So it came as no surprise that he portrayed himself as the champion of the poor as he vied for the presidency in the 9 August election.
Mr Ruto contested it under the banner of Kenya Kwanza, Swahili for Kenya First, with a promise to grow the economy.
Many African leaders such as Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni among others graced the occasion that took place at the 60,000-capacity Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, Nairobi, the nation’s capital.
Ruto’s predecessor and former principal, Uhuru Kenyatta during the ceremony said, “My family and I join all Kenyans in wishing the very best to our next President Dr William Samoei Ruto and extending to him our warmest congratulations for receiving the mandate of Kenyans to lead us as our 5th president.”
Speaking on his new leadership role, Ruto, who was deputy president for a decade said, “A village boy has become the president of Kenya,” to the cheers of the crowd.
This was the 55-year-old's first attempt at the presidency, and he confounded his critics by achieving victory - though in a stunning development, the majority of members of the electoral commission rejected the result amid claims of rigging and scuffles at the election centre in the capital, Nairobi.
However, the chairman of the commission, Wafula Chebukati, said the election was free and fair, as he declared Mr Ruto the winner with 50.5% of the vote.
Mr Chekubati's decision was challenged in court, including by defeated candidate Raila Odinga.
The Supreme Court upheld Mr Ruto's victory, opening the way for his inauguration on 13 September.
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