President Ruto Flies Out to Zambia [Details]

President William Ruto has travelled to Zambia to attend the inauguration of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, which is taking place at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Ruto arrived in Lusaka on Tuesday morning, September 1, after departing Nairobi for the ceremony, which brings together regional leaders and other dignitaries to witness Hichilema’s inauguration.

He landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where he was received by Zambia’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Nicholas Phiri.

Before his departure from Nairobi, Ruto was seen off by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, among other government officials.

Hichilema secured a decisive victory in the presidential election, winning re-election with 2,965,326 votes, representing 60.49 per cent.

Brian Mundubile finished second with 1,856,217 votes, accounting for 37.87 per cent of the total valid votes.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 18, Hichilema thanked Zambians for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the country again, while describing the election as a demonstration of Zambia’s commitment to peace, democracy and the rule of law.

"We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation's highest office and to be your servant, once more.

"This election showed the world who we are: a nation of peace, a nation of law and order, a democratic nation that settles our differences at the ballot box, and nowhere else," he wrote.

Hichilema said his campaign had taken him across all 116 districts, giving him an opportunity to interact directly with citizens in cities, compounds, villages and farms and understand the challenges they face.

"Over these months we have travelled to all 116 districts, to our nation's cities, our compounds, our villages, and our farms. We saw first-hand the challenges that our people are facing, and we resolved to work with you to solve these challenges, together," he added.

Hichilema also acknowledged voters who supported his opponents, assuring them that his administration would continue working to ensure that development reaches every Zambian regardless of their political preference.

"To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you to ensure that every Zambian benefits from the development we are delivering," he further said.

Hichilema said his administration would now intensify its efforts to deliver meaningful development across the country, while emphasizing that the concerns of citizens had been clearly communicated through the election.

"Fellow citizens, we love you, we care for you, and we have heard you clearly. Now we must work harder than ever before to deliver meaningful development for every single Zambian, in every corner of our country," he added.

Hichilema called for unity and cooperation as Zambia moves beyond the election, pledging to dedicate his administration’s efforts to development, progress, peace and prosperity.

"Indeed, we will devote all our energies to development and progress, strengthened by unity, cooperation and our shared purpose as one nation. After a hard-fought campaign, the people have spoken and we now turn our focus to building even greater peace and prosperity, and we remain One Zambia, One Nation, One people," he further said.