While wishing Ruto a successful inauguration and tenure in office, Buhari said he looked forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries.
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Deputy President of Kenya, William Ruto on winning the presidential election.
Ruto was declared winner on Monday following a tight contest.
President Buhari, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina also commended the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the elections.
Buhari said this had again demonstrated that the democratic process, values and principles remain the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.
According to him, Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism.
He believed that the partnership was buoyed by a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties.
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While wishing Ruto a successful inauguration and tenure in office, Buhari said he looked forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries.
Buhari observed that the two countries shared priorities such as enhancing peace and security on the continent, democracy, and greater economic prosperity and social development.
Buhari saluted President Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya in the past nine years.
Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati said that Ruto won almost 7.18 million votes (50.49 percent) in the August 9 vote, against 6.94 million (48.85 percent) for his rival Raila Odinga.
Ruto, in his acceptance speech said: “It was God that brought us here. My team and I will make sure that the sacrifices made by many Kenyans is not in vain, we will not let them down. I am confident that this country will come together and we can move forward as one democratic nation.”
