18 August 2022

• Russia confident to retain friendly ties with Kenya and the President-elect William Ruto.

• William Ruto was declared the President-Elect by IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.

The Russian government has congratulated President-elect William Ruto following his election as Kenya's fifth president.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Russian Embassy in Kenya said it looks forward to "developing comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kenya."

Russia stated that they are confident that the friendly relations between out two countries and people will be reinvigorated and further strengthened.

Foreign countries and leaders have continued to congratulate Ruto on his win, as President Uhuru Kenyatta continues to stay silent on the issue.

Among those who have congratulated Ruto include Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Akon among many others.

Through her social media pages, Suluhu expressed confidence that her government will work with William Ruto.

"I congratulate the people of Kenya on their peaceful general election and the subsequent announcement of Williams Ruto as President-elect," she said on Instagram.

"We look forward to continuing working together with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to strengthen our historically close ties. Tuko pamoja," she added.

Through his social media, the celebrated singer wrote;

"Congratulations to my dear brother William Ruto as he is declared winner of the Presidential election in Kenya."

In his message to Kenyans, WCB boss Diamond Platnumz asked Kenyans to uphold peace during this period to continue building the country.

"PONGEZI sana wana Kenya kwa kuhitimisha zoezi la uchaguzi na kumpata rais leo. Sasa hivi tena sio Team Ruto, Wajackoyah ama team Raila Odonga. Ni kwa pamoja kuendeleza maendeleo ya kenya na wana kenya kwa ujumla."

(Congratulations Kenyans for completing the elections process and getting your president. It is no longer about Team Raila, Ruto, Wajackoya but as one Kenya to push the country ahead as Kenyans.)

Media personality Maina Kageni also wrote

"Congratulations, President - Elect @williamsamoeiruto !!!! Govern with wisdom and God's guidance.... We start a new journey today.... Pave it with prosperity, hope and take us to the next level.... God bless you and God bless Kenya."

Emmy Kaosgei was also not left behind

" Congratulations 🎊 to his excellency the president elect of the the Republic of Kenya 🇰🇪 👏 🙌 🔥🔥🔥 let's keep upholding Kenya in prayer! Peace and stability to thrive. Kenyans are all winners, we are one nation under one God.

The country is waiting on the way forward after Raila Odinga promised to challenge Ruto in court saying he and Azimio leaders have rejected the 2022 Presidential results.