President William Ruto has congratulated Hakainde Hichilema after his re-election as President of Zambia, describing his victory as a sign of the confidence Zambians have placed in his leadership.
Hichilema secured a second five-year term after winning 61.4 per cent of the vote in the August 13 presidential election, defeating his closest challenger Brian Mundubile.
In a congratulatory message dated Tuesday, August 18, Ruto praised Hichilema’s performance and commitment to Zambia’s development.
“Your resounding and decisive victory is a testament to your unwavering dedication, perseverance and commitment to the advancement of Zambia,” Ruto said.
The President said Hichilema’s victory was also an affirmation of the trust and confidence the Zambian people had placed in his leadership.
Ruto further pledged to strengthen relations between Kenya and Zambia during Hichilema’s second term.
“Kenya holds its relations with the Republic of Zambia in high esteem,” he said.
The President noted that the two countries had maintained cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, describing Zambia as a “brotherly nation” and a valuable regional partner.
Ruto said he looked forward to working closely with Hichilema to “further solidify and broaden the bonds of friendship and cooperation” between Kenya and Zambia.
Hichilema’s victory comes after a closely watched election in which his economic record was a major campaign issue.
The Zambian President campaigned on his record of economic reforms, including efforts to stabilise the economy following the country’s debt crisis, while the opposition focused on the high cost of living and the benefits of economic growth to ordinary citizens.
The election process, however, was briefly disrupted after the Electoral Commission of Zambia suspended vote counting following attacks on election officials and the theft of ballot papers. Counting later resumed before Hichilema was officially declared the winner.
Following his victory, Hichilema called for an inclusive approach, saying those who supported his opponents would also be served by his government.
Ruto wished Hichilema success in his second term and extended his wishes for continued peace, unity and prosperity to the people of Zambia.