On Monday, September 5, the Supreme Court of Kenya delivered its verdict on the Presidential petition filed by Presidential contender Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua.
In their ruling, the seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome upheld the declaration by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Wafula Chebukati, announcing Deputy President William Ruto as the President elect.
In his statement, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated the President-elect noting that he was ready to work with the DP.
"Congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto, on being declared 5th President of the Republic of Kenya. Look forward to working with Your Excellency William Ruto to strengthen and enhance historical good relations between Zimbabwe and Kenya based on our shared priorities for our two peoples," stated Hichilema.
Nigerian singer David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, also congratulated the people of Kenya for their win after the verdict was made public.
"Congratulations to Dr William Samoei Ruto, on being declared 5th President of the Republic of Kenya... Also Congratulations to the people of Kenya! Democracy wins again," he noted.
The German Embassy in Kenya congratulated Ruto and the people of Kenya on the win and how peaceful the country remained throughout the entire exercise.
"Congratulations to Dr. William Ruto, Kenya's next President. And to the Kenyan People and independent institutions on the free, fair and credible elections. Today's ruling demonstrates in an impressive way the importance of rule of law and democracy in Kenya. Germany and Kenya pamoja! Twende kazi!" Read the statement.
The Russian Embassy, on the other hand, re-shared their initial celebratory message they had posted on August 18 to congratulate the new Head of State.
The statement read, "The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Kenya has the honour to congratulate H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto upon the announcement of him being elected as President of Kenya.
"The Embassy of Russia is looking forward to continuing and further developing comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kenya. We are confident that the friendly relations between our two countries and peoples will be reinvigorated and further strengthened."
The congratulatory messages expound the nodes Ruto received on August 15 shortly after being declared the winner by IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, at the time, 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.
