After a long wait, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared William Ruto as Kenya's President-elect.
Ruto was declared the winner of the presidential vote on Monday, August 15, after garnering 7,176,141, representing 50.4 per cent of the valid vote. His main competitor and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, polled 6,942,930 representing 48.85 per cent.
Soon after announcement, congratulatory messages began trickling in from world leaders including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Ahmed noted that he looked forward to working with Ruto to strengthen ties between the two countries.
"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," stated the PM.
Somalia's ninth President Mohammed Farmajo also congratulated Ruto over his campaign, which he termed as 'empowering.'
"I wish to offer my most sincere congratulations to President-Elect of Kenya H.E. William Ruto and the people of Kenyan following the successful conclusion of the elections. You truly ran an enriching, overpowering campaign & May God help you fulfill your vision for your country," he stated.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on the other hand, noted that he believes Ruto will serve Kenya with distinction.
"Congratulations to William Ruto 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," he stated.
Somalia's tenth and current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Ruto and noted that he looks forward to strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
"H.E President Hassan Mohamud 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 & closer cooperation between Somalia and Kenya," announced the Villa Somalia - which is the office of the Somalian President.
The Speaker of Ugandan Parliament Anita Among sent her congratulatory messages to William Ruto noting that she looks forward to working with him as members of the East African Community.
"I Congratulate H.E Dr William Ruto upon election as the 5th President of Kenya . I also congratulate the people of Kenya for successfully exercising their constitutional right to elect Leaders. As Members of the East African Community, we look forward to working with you," she posted.
