Ruto congratulates Kagame after landslide win in Rwanda's presidential poll

President William Ruto has congratulated Paul Kagame after winning Rwanda's presidential elections.

The Head of State in a message relayed on Wednesday, wished Kagame success as he continues to steer Rwanda in the path of peace, stability and posterity.

"On behalf of the people and Government of Kenya, I have the pleasure to convey warmest congratulations upon your re-election to serve a further term as President of the Republic of Rwanda," Ruto said.

President Ruto affirmed that he was looking forward to continue strengthening the bilateral ties between Kenya and Rwanda.

"I look forward to continuing working with you in regional and Pan-African affairs in strengthening the bonds of solidarity and fraternity between the peoples of Kenya and Rwanda," he said.

Kagame, who was first elected president in 2000.is set for a fourth term after garnering 99.15 per cent of the votes.

Presidents William Ruto (Kenya) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda) during a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 5, 2023. (Photo: PCS)

The 66-year-old faced no meaningful opposition with his two opponents sharing less than 1 percent of the vote.

Kagame was running against two other candidates, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, who also challenged him at the last poll in 2017.

Kagame has won more than 93 per cent of the vote at each of the three previous elections.

At least eight candidates had applied to run against him, but only two were retained in the final list validated by the electoral commission.

The election saw a registered voter turnout of about 9 million out of Rwanda's 14 million population, an increase of two million from the previous election, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The process was observed by over 300 international and 700 local observers, ensuring transparency.

Analysts attribute Kagame's victory to his successful efforts in steering Rwanda towards internal peace and stability since the 1994 genocide, where an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. At 66, Kagame's leadership continues to shape the future of this East African nation.

Rwandans cast ballots for parliamentary representatives alongside the presidential election, with a total of 598 candidates competing for the 80 available seats.

Tanzania’s Head of State Samia Suluhu also extended her congratulatory message to Kagame noting that she looks forward to fostering relations between the two countries and in the pursuit of East Africa’s unity and prosperity.

On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Paul Kagame, on being re-elected as the President of the Republic of Rwanda. I look forward to continue working with you in fostering the… pic.twitter.com/g32GvOe8LV

— Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) July 17, 2024