Ruto congratulates Kagame upon re-election

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has congratulated Rwanda President Paul Kagame, after being reelected for a 4th term.

Ruto said he wishes him all the best as he embarks on another 7-year stretch in office, that will end in 2031.

"We celebrate with you the sovereign choice of the people of Rwanda and wish you success as you continue steering your country in the path of peace, stability and posterity," said Ruto.

"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."

Kagame won the Monday's presidential race with a 99 percent landslide, to extend his 24-year rule.

Like in the last election held in 2017, the 66-year-old faced no meaningful opposition, with leading figures banned.

His two opponents shared less than 1% of the vote. He thanked Rwandans for their trust, in an address at his Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party headquarters.

“These are not just figures, even if it was 100 percent, these are not just numbers. They show the trust, and that is what is most important," Kagame said, as quoted by BBC.

At least three aspirants were disqualified from running, including Diane Rwigara, an outspoken critic of President Kagame.

The electoral commission said 98 percent of the more than 9.5 million eligible voters took part in the elections.

They were voting for a president and 53 legislators.

Compare the number to Kenya which has over 400 legislatures, comprising 290 elected Members of Parliament and 47 elected Senators.

Kagame has been the leader of Rwanda since the end of the 1994 genocide, and president since 2000.

A big population of Rwandese hail him for ensuring stability in the country politically and economically.

However, human rights groups accuse him of curtailing freedoms since taking office.