Biden, Israel’s Prime Minister Lapid congratulate Ruto
Yair Lapid, the Prime Minister of Israel, has congratulated President-elect William Ruto following his victory at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court on Monday, September 5, dismissed a petition lodged by Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga, paving way for his swearing-in as Kenya's fifth president.
Strengthen ties between Kenya and Israel
In his congratulatory message, Lapid said he looks forward to working with Ruto to strengthen ties between Israel and Kenya, East Africa's largest economy.
"Congratulations William Ruto on your election as President of the Republic of Kenya.
"I look forward to working together to pursue shared interests and strengthen ties between Israel and Kenya. From Jerusalem to Nairobi, wishing you success in your new role," Lapid said in a tweet.
Congratulations @WilliamSRuto on your election as President of the Republic of Kenya.
I look forward to working together to pursue shared interests and strengthen ties between Israel and Kenya.
From Jerusalem to Nairobi, wishing you success in your new role. 🇮🇱 🇰🇪— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) September 6, 2022
The PM joins a growing list of world leaders who have congratulated the newly elected president.
Earlier, United States President Joe Biden congratulated Ruto on his victory.
In in a press briefing, Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden also congratulated Kenyans for carrying out peaceful elections.
“We congratulate William Ruto on his election as President of Kenya, and commend Raila Odinga and other candidates for abiding by the Supreme Court’s ruling,” the White House press secretary said.
Yesterday, Tanzania President Samia Suluhu affirmed that she was looking forward to working with Ruto to foster unity between Kenya and Tanzania.
On August 15, 2022, Ruto was declared the winner of the August 9 election by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati.
He won the election with 7,176, 141 votes, which is 50.49% of the total votes cast beating Raila, who garnered 6, 942, 930 votes (48.85%).
His win was however challenged by Raila, his running mate Martha Karua and six other petitioners who lodged petitions at the apex court, seeking the nullification of the presidential elections.
