Kenya’s Ruto congratulates Zambia’s Hichilema on second-term election victory

Kenyan President William Ruto has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election for a second term.

In a congratulatory message dated August 18, President Ruto described Mr Hichilema’s victory as a testament to his dedication, perseverance and commitment to Zambia’s development.

Mr Hichilema was declared the winner of Zambia’s August 13 general election after securing 2,965,326 votes against 1,856,217 votes obtained by his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile.

“Your resounding and decisive victory is a testament to your unwavering dedication, perseverance and commitment to the advancement of Zambia,” President Ruto said.

The Kenyan President said the result also demonstrated the confidence Zambians had placed in Mr Hichilema’s leadership and his vision for the country’s development and prosperity.

He said Kenya valued its longstanding relations with Zambia, describing the country as a “brotherly nation” and a valuable regional partner and ally.

President Ruto expressed his readiness to work with Mr Hichilema during his second term to strengthen relations between the two countries.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with you to further solidify and broaden the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” he said.

The August 13 election also saw Zambians vote to elect members of the National Assembly and local government officials.

President Hichilema’s re-election gives him another five-year mandate to lead Zambia after first assuming office in 2021.

President Ruto wished Mr Hichilema success in his second term and called for continued peace, unity and prosperity for the Zambian people.