President William Ruto has joined African leaders in congratulating Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election and second term in office.
Ruto attended Hichilema’s inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka alongside Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Duma Boko of Botswana and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla also attended the ceremony.
In a message congratulating Hichilema, Ruto described the Zambian president as his “brother” and wished him success during his second term.
“Congratulations, my brother President Hakainde Hichilema, as you embark on a second term of service to the people of Zambia,” Ruto said.
He said Hichilema's re-election demonstrated the confidence Zambians had placed in his leadership.
“Your re-election is a strong expression of the confidence the people of Zambia have placed in your leadership and vision for the country’s transformation,” Ruto said.
Ruto also said Kenya would seek closer relations with Zambia during Hichilema’s second term.
“Kenya looks forward to deepening our bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and advancing our shared interests,” he said.
The President further called for greater African integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying it provides the continent with a platform to increase trade among African countries, create jobs and promote economic growth.
“Together, we will continue working for a more integrated and prosperous Africa,” Ruto said.
Hichilema's second term comes as Ruto himself prepares for Kenya's 2027 presidential election, in which he is expected to seek re-election.
Ruto won the presidency in 2022 and is eligible to serve a second term under Kenya's Constitution.
The 2027 contest is already taking shape, with Ruto seeking to retain the presidency while opposition politicians position themselves for the election.
Hichilema's inauguration brought together leaders from East and Southern Africa, with Ruto among those publicly backing the Zambian president as he begins his second term.
Ruto's attendance in Lusaka comes as his administration continues its political preparations for the 2027 election, when Kenyan voters will decide whether to give him a second presidential mandate.
