President William Ruto of Kenya has extended his congratulations to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi on his successful re-election. In an online post, President Ruto expressed appreciation for President Tshisekedi’s victory, hailing it as a significant milestone in the democratic history of the DRC. He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations for their mutual benefit.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also conveyed his felicitations to President Tshisekedi, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing peace and unity within the DRC. Kenyatta stressed that peace and unity are vital for the prosperity of any nation.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, representing the Azimio coalition, joined in congratulating President Tshisekedi on his re-election. Odinga commended the Congolese voters for their role in achieving peaceful elections and expressed hope for positive change and prosperity under President Tshisekedi’s leadership.
The DRC’s presidential elections, held on December 20, 2023, saw President Tshisekedi secure a decisive victory with 72% of the votes. Despite calls from some opposition members for a rerun due to reported irregularities, President Tshisekedi’s win stands as officially recognized, reflecting the will of the Congolese people.
Businessman Moise Katumbi emerged as the second-place candidate with 18% of the vote, followed by former oil company executive Martin Fayulu with 5%. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, known for his advocacy against sexual violence, secured less than 1% of the vote. The elections witnessed a significant voter turnout, with approximately 18 million citizens exercising their right to vote.
As President Tshisekedi embarks on his new term, leaders both within and outside the DRC express optimism for a prosperous future and commend the democratic process that led to his re-election.