Russia's President Putin Sends Special Message to Ruto on Jamhuri Day

A photo collage of Vladimir Putin and William Ruto
A photo collage of Vladimir Putin and William Ruto

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message to President William Ruto ahead of the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Monday, December 12.

In a statement shared by the Russian Embassy in Kenya, Putin congratulated President Ruto on marking another feat of Jamhuri Day terming it an important national day.

He underscored the relationship between Kenya and Russia, terming the relationship to have been traditionally friendly. 

PResident William Ruto with US President Joe Biden
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel meet US President Joe Biden at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) in New York, USA on September 23, 2022.
People Daily

"I am convinced that their further development in various spheres meets the fundamental interests of Russian and Kenyan peoples," the release from the embassy read in part. 

The letter signed by the Russian president highlighted Russia's involvement in the African continent, especially with regard to promoting peace. 

He hoped that the developments in different spheres of the relationship between Kenya and Russia will progress "in line with strengthening stability and security on the African continent." 

"I wish you good health and success, as well as happiness and prosperity to all Kenyan citizens," Putin concluded in his letter. 

Kenya marked its Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium where President Ruto led the country in celebrating the National Day in a changed format. 

President William Ruto has dallied with both Russia and the United States in recent times since his election as the President. 

Putin was among the first world leaders to congratulate William Ruto on his election victory during the August 9, elections. 

In his congratulatory message, the Russian President expressed hope that the President would ensure that the two countries strengthen their diplomatic ties.

However, President Ruto differed with Putin in October 2022, when he waded into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war saying the internationally recognized boundaries must be respected.

Earlier on in an interview with CNN, President Ruto demonstrated his commitment to playing a leading collaborative role at the global level in solving the crisis in Ukraine. 

President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Moses Badilisha join faithfuls for a thanksgiving church service on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Moses Badilisha join faithful for a thanksgiving church service on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
William Ruto