President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday sent his congratulatory message to Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali who was made the chairperson of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolution Democratic Front (EPRDF) and endorsed by the Ethiopian Parliament as the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Referring to the Ethiopian as his brother, Uhuru stated: "The election is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence the members of Council EPRDF have in Dr Abiy's ability to lead the Party and the entire country in its aspirations for unity in diversity, peace, and national development."
His message rubbed Kenyans the wrong way with many lashing at the President over recent developments in the country including the lecturers' strike and Miguna's deportation.
[caption caption="Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali "]
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"It's Ironic to congratulate someone who won legitimately while you yourself you rigged the election to be president. Are you not ashamed?" one user wrote.
Another stated: "I also congratulate you for giving a very blind eye to the ongoing lecturers strike yet you boast of some pillars in your government whereas tertiary learning is now paralyzed. Shame!"
[caption caption="Reactions to Uhuru's post"]
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"We understand Dr. Abiy is a brother. Can Dr. Miguna be a brother too?" one user quipped.
While one user noted: "That's selection, not an election. African leaders must learn to let the people decide."
In the statement by President Kenyatta, the Kenyan Head of State conveyed that he looked forward to working closely with the incoming Prime Minister to consolidate the valuable strategic partnership characterized by excellent bilateral relations and a strong cooperation in regional and multilateral issues that Kenya and Ethiopia have, over time, forged for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.
“I particularly look forward to our joint efforts in the pursuit of regional and continental peace, stability and development within the framework of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) for the benefit the people of our region and beyond,” he added.
On the other hand, there were some positive reactions to Uhuru's message.
"Thank you Mr.President, I would like to suggest to maintain, strengthen and keep a warm relationship between the two nations as it was during honourable Jomo Kenyata and king Hailesilasse," one user reacted to the post.
[caption caption="More reactions to Uhuru's post"]
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