- Before the verdict by the apex court, western nations had only congratulated Kenyans on the peaceful electoral process and commended the IEBC.
- After being declared winner on August 15, Ruto was congratulated mainly by African countries.
Image: HANDOUT
Western nations have finally congratulated President-elect William Ruto on his win after the Supreme Court threw out a petition challenging his victory.
The countries held back their congratulatory messages after Azimio La Umoja flag bearer Raila Odinga and six other petitioners rejected the presidential results.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's allies, who were also opposed to a Ruto presidency, made an about-turn and sent congratulatory messages.
After being declared winner on August 15, Ruto was congratulated mainly by African countries.
Before the verdict by the apex court, western nations had only congratulated Kenyans on the peaceful electoral process and commended the IEBC for organising an orderly voting and counting process.
The United States led western nations in sending the messages after the Supreme Court issued its judgement on Monday.
“Congratulations to William Ruto on his election as Kenya’s next president.
"We look forward to working with the new government and deepening our longstanding partnership for the benefit of Kenyans and Americans alike,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
He further lauded Raila for accepting the Supreme Court decision.
UK’s minister for Africa Vicky Ford while congratulating the president-elect said she looks forward to strengthening the British-Kenya strategic partnership.
“I congratulate Kenya’s president-elect William Ruto, who I look forward to working with to strengthen our strategic partnership.
"Kenya and its leaders can be proud of the example it has set to the world following a calm, peaceful and transparent democratic process,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by UK's High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott, Swedish Foreign minister Ann Linde and the Netherlands Embassy in Kenya.
“Congratulations to Dr William Ruto on his election as Kenya's fifth president. Looking forward to working together.
"We also congratulate the people and institutions of Kenya on the free, fair, credible and transparent election,” the Netherlands Embassy said in a statement.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli, a harsh critic of Ruto, was among Uhuru allies who sent congratulatory messages.
“During COTU's executive board meeting on August 17, we resolved that immediately after the Supreme Court judgement, we must thank and congratulate the victor.
"Consequently, we congratulate president-elect William Ruto. We appeal to workers and Kenyans in general to remain peaceful,” Atwoli said.
Former Senate majority leader and an ally of Uhuru, Samuel Poghisio also sent a message of goodwill.
“William Samoei Ruto is officially the president-elect of the Republic of Kenya. That case is sorted and concluded at the apex court.
"We move on as one country and nation and hope for the best for all Kenyans. Congratulations president-elect and your team,” he said.
Soon after he was declared winner by the IEBC, Ruto was congratulated by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and South Sudan's Salva Kiir.
Others included Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Museveni sent his message soon after the IEBC announced the results, but also commended Ruto after the court’s ruling.
He said he had a phone call with his close friend Ruto on Monday night and congratulated him upon his victory.
“On behalf of all Ugandans, I congratulate William Samoei Ruto upon your election as the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya,” he wrote on Twitter.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)