President William Ruto has travelled to Zambia to attend the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema, who is set to begin his second term in office.
Ruto left Kenya on Tuesday morning, September 1, for Lusaka, where Hichilema will be sworn in at the National Heroes Stadium.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki accompanied Ruto on this visit with the President being accorded a formal farewell before embarking on the journey to Zambia’s capital.
Hichilema has won re-election in the August 13 General Elections to become Zambia’s President again.
Ruto had previously congratulated Hichilema after winning the elections by saying that both countries were good friends and wishing to enhance the relations between the two nations.
“Dear brother, I am looking forward to working more closely with you to further enhance our friendship and cooperation between the two nations,” Ruto stated in his letter to Hichilema.
The trip offers an opportunity to Ruto to interact with other African leaders who have attended the ceremony.
Ruto’s Last Visit to Zambia
Ruto’s last visit to Zambia was in June 2023 when he went to Lusaka to attend the 22nd Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit.
It was his first time to attend such a COMESA summit after taking office as the president.
In the meeting, Ruto emphasized the need for better economic integration within African states and floated the concept of the existence of a single African currency that will facilitate cross-border business.
This latest trip is coming at a time when Kenya and Zambia are maintaining diplomatic and economic relations.
Ruto is expected to return to Kenya after attending the inauguration ceremony
