Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has arrived in Kenya to witness the inauguration of the country’s President-elect, William Ruto at Kasarani later today.

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Dr Abiy was received by Ambassador Galma Boru.

Ruto garnered 7,176,141 votes in the August 9 presidential elections beating closest rival Raila Odinga who got 6,942,930 votes.

Dr Abiy was among the first African leaders to congratulate Ruto upon his victory. Taking to his official social media, Abiy sent his congratulatory message, wishing the DP all the best in his new journey.

Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali being received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday.

“My congratulations William Ruto on your election as the President of the Republic of Kenya. I wish you best of luck in your endeavours ahead and we look forward to working closely with you on common bilateral and regional interests,” he wrote.

Abiy now joins other African leaders including Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who are in Nairobi for William Ruto’s swearing-in. Museveni was received by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda H.E. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) George Aggrey Owino on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Others President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Felix Tshisekedi of DRC.

Christian Wulff Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Azali Assoumani of Comoros, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania among others are also attending.

Meanwhile, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate in the 2022 election, Raila Odinga yesterday said he will not attend today’s function, despite confirming in a statement that he had received an invitation.

“This evening, I received a letter and a telephone call from H.E Dr. William Ruto inviting me to his inauguration set for tomorrow, September 13, 2022. However, I will not be available for the inauguration because I am out of the country and I also have other serious concerns,” said Raila.

Raila pointed a finger at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over alleged unfairness in conducting the polls.

“First, I believe that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the body in charge of our elections, did not conduct a free and fair election,” he said.

The former Prime Minister also took a swipe at the Supreme Court.

“Secondly, I believe that the ruling of the Supreme Court was not based on the facts and the law, even though we accepted it. For these reasons, the outcome of the election remains indeterminate. Once I return to the country, I will, jointly with Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party leaders, announce our next steps as we seek to deepen and strengthen our democracy,” said Raila.

Kungu Al-Mahadi Adam is an experienced Ugandan multimedia Journalist with a background of fact checking and thorough research. He is very passionate about current African affairs particularly Horn of Africa. He...

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