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African leaders congratulate William Ruto for winning Kenyan election

Tuesday August 16 2022
William Ruto.

Kenyan President-elect William Ruto delivers a speech at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bomas of Kenya Tallying Centre in Nairobi on August 15, 2022, after he was declared winner of the presidential election. PHOTO | TONY KARUMBA | AFP

By VALERIE KOGA

East African Community leaders joined other world leaders in congratulating Kenya’s President-elect William Ruto, who was delacred winner of the August 9, 2022 presidential election.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati on Monday announced that the President-elect and Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua won with 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.59 percent of valid votes cast, beating rivals Raila Odinga and Martha Karua who had 6,942,930 votes (48 percent).

Leaders also congratulated Kenya for a peaceful election.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni congratulated Ruto, and affirmed Kampala's commitment to continue working with Nairobi and strengthening the relationship between the two nations. He also expressed optimism that his close partnership with Ruto would yield greater achievements for both nations.

"Further to my telephone call last night upon your victory, I wish to reassure you of Uganda’s commitment to continue partnering with Kenya in advancing regional and continental agenda through the East African Community, African Union and other multilateral platforms.

"Our bilateral cooperation will score tremendous achievements and I look forward to working more closely with you. God bless Kenya. God bless East Africa."

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Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu said "I congratulate the people of Kenya on their peaceful general election and the subsequent announcement of Dr @WilliamsRuto as President-elect. We look forward to continue working together with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to strengthen our historically close ties. Tuko pamoja."

Burundi's Evariste Ndayishimiye said, "My heartfelt congratulations to the President-elect @WilliamsRuto 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 be resolved by existing competent legal mechanisms. Idumu jumuiya yetu!"

On his Twitter handle, Rwandan Presidnet Paul Kagame also congratulated Ruto, saying: "On behalf of the Government and People of Rwanda, I congratulate our Brothers and Sisters, the People of Kenya, for conducting peaceful elections on 9 August 2022. I also congratulate H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, the President-Elect."

"The Government of Rwanda attaches great importance to the good relationship and cooperation between Kenya and Rwanda."

Somalia’s former president Mohamed Farmaajo commended Ruto for his hard work and wished him well in his tenure as president.

“I wish to offer my most sincere congratulations to President-Elect of Kenya 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 fulfil your vision for your country,” he said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was among the first leaders to congratulate the president-elect, said he looks forward to working with him after he is sworn-in.

" My congratulations William Ruto on your election as the President of the Republic of Kenya. I wish you best of luck in your endeavors ahead and we look forward to working closely with you on common bilateral and regional interests," he said.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa added that he had faith in the new leadership. "Congratulations to @WilliamsRuto on his election as the next President of Kenya. I have no doubt he will serve his country, his people and our continent with distinction."

Igad's Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said "I congratulate H.E. @WilliamsRuto on his election as the 5th President of the Republic of #Kenya as declared by the country's electoral management body @IEBCKenya. I applaud Kenyans for the peaceful elections & look fwd (sic) to peaceful conclusion of the entire electoral process!"

Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, also congratulated Ruto, saying, "Congratulations to President-Elect @WilliamsRuto of #Kenya. The people have voted peacefully and we urge for any possible contestation to use existing resolution mechanisms. Looking forward to continue our excellent cooperation on regional affairs and deepening EU-Kenya relations."

- Additional reporting by Luke Anami

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