Leaders around the world have sent congratulatory messages to Kenya’s President-elect, William Ruto after he was declared the winner of last Tuesday’s election.
Dr. Ruto was announced the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Monday afternoon after an hours-long delay.
The President-elect defeated his closest challenger, Raila Odinga of Azimio la Umoja, by garnering 7.1 million votes, representing 50.49 per cent of the total valid votes, against the latter’s 6.9 million, or 48.85 percent.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, South Sudan Salva Kiir, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent their messages of kindness, wishing Dr. Ruto and Kenyans well in the next phase.
President Ndayishimiye, the current chairman of the East African Community (EAC), congratulated the President-elect and Kenyans.
“My heartfelt congratulations to President-elect William Ruto and the people of the Republic of Kenya for holding free, fair, and peaceful elections. We urge all the parties to preserve peace, and disputes are resolved by existing competent legal mechanisms. Idumu jumuiya yetu,” he said.
In a tweet on Tuesday morning, President Museveni revealed that he had a phone call with his close friend Dr. Ruto on Monday night and congratulated him on his victory.
“On behalf of all Ugandans, I congratulate Your Excellency William Samoei Ruto upon your election as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya,” he wrote on Twitter.
“ I wish to reassure you of Uganda’s commitment to continue partnering with Kenya in advancing regional and continental agenda through East African Community, African Union, and other multilateral platforms.”
President Suluhu congratulated Kenyans for conducting a peaceful election.
“I congratulate the people of Kenya on their peaceful general election and the subsequent announcement of Dr. William Ruto as President-elect. We look forward to continuing working together with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to strengthen our historically close ties. Tuko pamoja,” President Suluhu said.
President Buhari also congratulated Dr. Ruto and wished him a successful inauguration and tenure.
“I congratulate the President-Elect of Kenya, William Ruto, on his victory in the August 9, 2022 general elections. I wish him a successful inauguration and tenure in office, while also looking forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between Nigeria and Kenya,” he said.
He said this “demonstrates that the democratic process, values and principles remain the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable”.
He noted that Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism.
“Let me also salute President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya, & the profound legacies of his administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare reforms and tourism, as well as his strong influence & support on regional security,” he noted.
Also, Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa was among foreign leaders who congratulated the President-elect by taking to Twitter on Monday, President Mnangagwa expressed confidence that Dr. Ruto will be a reputable leader.
“Congratulations to William Ruto on his election as the next President of Kenya,” he said in a tweet.
“I have no doubt he will serve his country, his people, and our continent with distinction.”
Ethiopia PM Abiy wished Dr. Ruto all the best in his new journey.
“My congratulations William Ruto on your election as the President of the Republic of Kenya. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors ahead and we look forward to working closely with you on common bilateral and regional interests,” he wrote.
Somalia’s presidency also shared a message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who said he “warmly congratulates President-Elect William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, following his election victory”.
“The president looks forward to working with William Ruto towards stronger bilateral relations and closer cooperation between Somalia and Kenya,” he said
Former Somalia President Mohamed Farmaajo also sent a message: “I wish to offer my most sincere congratulations to the President-Elect of Kenya H.E. William Ruto and the people of Kenya following the successful conclusion of the elections. You truly ran an enriching; overpowering campaign and may God help you fulfill your vision for your country.”
South Africa’s President Ramaphosa stated the importance of a peaceful Kenya for the prosperity of not only the East Africa region but also the continent.
“I offer my warm congratulations to President-Elect William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya. A prosperous and united Kenya is an important prerequisite for and contributor to a prosperous and peaceful continent. We look forward to working with you in pursuit of #TheAfricaWeWant,” he said.
President Kiir joined a growing list of ther leaders who sent congratulatory messages after Dr Ruto was declared duly elected as Kenya’s fifth President.
President Kiir said in a statement that D Ruto’s election demonstrates that a significant number of Kenyans identified with his message of a bottom-up approach to the economy.
“I write to congratulate you on your election as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement read.
“Now that the people have spoken, the enormous task ahead of you and your opponents, with whom you campaigned and offered different visions for Kenya, is to unite the people and channel their collective will towards the pressing needs of national development.”
