PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan and other leaders have congratulated newly-elected Kenyan President Elect, William Ruto after his confirmation by the Supreme Court.
President Samia promised to accord Kenya’s President-elect total cooperation in strengthening the bilateral relations.
The Head of State made the remarks yesterday in her social media accounts, saying she was looking forward to working with her incoming Kenyan counterpart to strengthen the historic bond and cooperation between the two nations.
“I would like to congratulate my brother @WilliamsRuto on the decision by the Supreme Court of Kenya to uphold his election as the fifth President of the Republic of Kenya. I look forward to working with you to strengthen the historic bond and cooperation between our two nations,” wrote President Samia on her twitter account @SuluhuSamia.
Dr Ruto also received congratulatory messages from the regional blocs-the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC).
A statement issued by the Chairman of AU Moussa Faki Mahamat also congratulated the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya (IEBC), and all national stakeholders, for their collective efforts and exemplary conduct in holding peaceful elections up to the final outcome of the election petition by the Supreme Court of Kenya.
“I warmly congratulate William Ruto upon his election as the President-elect of the Republic of Kenya following the successful conduct of General Elections on August 9th, 2022 and the unanimous judicial confirmation of the election outcome,” read part of the statement.
For its part, the EAC also congratulated Kenya for holding peaceful general elections and upholding the rule of law
“We congratulate the fifth President of Kenya H.E William Ruto and look forward to his leadership in advancing the EAC integration agenda,” read in part a flier shared by the EAC secretariat.
Other leaders who commended Dr Ruto for winning the election included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) as and the UK Minister for Africa, Latin America & Caribbean Ms Vicky Ford.
In his tweet, President Kagame said he was looking forward to working with him (Ruto) to strengthen the strategic partnership in advancing the EAC agenda.
“I rang H.E @WilliamsRuto to congratulate him on the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold his election as the 5th President of Kenya. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our Strategic Partnership in advancing the EAC agenda. God bless the people of Kenya,” read part of his tweet on @PaulKagame.
Adding, “The Government of Rwanda attaches great importance to the good relationship and cooperation between Kenya and Rwanda”.
The Burundian Head of State Mr Ndayishimiye also reiterated his congratulations to Mr Ruto for his confirmation as President Elect of Kenya by the Supreme Court, saying his leadership will be the cornerstone for the reinforcement of the historical relations of the two countries in fostering regional integration.
His message was equally similar to what was said by the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, who also noted the importance of strengthening and enhancing historical good relations based on Kenya, Zambia shared priorities.
“Congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto, on being declared 5th President of the Republic of Kenya. Look forward to working with Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto to strengthen & enhance historical good relations between & based on our shared priorities for our two peoples,” wrote Mr Hichilema.
On her part, the UK Minister Ms Ford said “I congratulate Kenya’s President-elect William Ruto, who I look forward to working with to strengthen our Strategic Partnership. Kenya and its leaders can be proud of the example it has set to the world: following a calm, peaceful and transparent democratic process”.
Speaking on Monday Mr Ruto said the decision by the court to uphold his election opens possibilities to ordinary Kenyans, who can now believe that they can indeed achieve their dreams and become who they want to be.
“My election opens possibilities for all our children irrespective of their background, irrespective of where they come from and irrespective of their financial status. By working hard and believing in God. They can get to wherever they want to go,” he added.