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Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Kenyan President-Elect, William Ruto.
Buhari said in a statement:
“I congratulate the President-Elect of Kenya, William Ruto, on his victory in the August 9, 2022 general elections. I wish him a successful inauguration and tenure in office, while also looking forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between Nigeria and Kenya.
I commend the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the elections, which once again demonstrates that the democratic process, values and principles remain the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.
Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism. Between us lies a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties, and effective collaboration through various international organisations.
Let me also salute President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship & exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya, & the profound legacies of his administration in infrastructure, education,healthcare reforms & tourism,as well as his strong influence & support on regional security.”
William Samoei Arap Ruto (born 21 December 1966) is a Kenyan politician & serving as the Deputy President of Kenya since 2013.In the 2013 presidential election, Ruto was elected the Deputy President alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta under the Jubilee Alliance ticket.
He holds a BSc in Botany & Zoology (1990), MSc (2011) and PhD (2018) from the University of Nairobi. During his time in the campus for the undergraduate course, Ruto was an active member of the Christian Union. He also served as the Chairman of the University of Nairobi’s choir.
It is through his church leadership activities at the University of Nairobi that Ruto met President Daniel Arap Moi who would introduce him to Kenya politics at later date, specifically during the 1992 general elections.
Ruto was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1998 to 2013, served as Minister for Home Affairs in the Daniel Arap Moi administration from August to December 2002. He later served in the Mwai Kibaki administration as Minister of Agriculture from 2008 to 2010 and as Minister for Higher Education from April to October 2010.