The President of Kenya, Dr Williams Ruto, has declared his readiness to work with Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, after the latter’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.

Ruto said he is ready to work with Tinubu to consolidate the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Nigeria.

“I look forward to working with you to champion the cause of our continent, and to strengthen further the historical bonds and friendship that happily exist between our two countries and the people,” the President said via a letter he personally signed and delivered by his envoy, who is also Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service of Kenya, Felix K. Koskei, in Lagos over the weekend.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, May 7, by Tinubu’s media aide, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Koskei told Tinubu that the desire of Ruto was to partner the President-elect in “bringing Africa together and strengthen the continent through cooperation and sharing of experiences.”

President Ruto further congratulated Tinubu on his victory in the 2023 presidential election, saying: “On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I convey greetings and congratulations to you on your victory, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their fortitude and maturity in ensuring the successful conduct of the 2023 general election.

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“I wish to applaud the close friendship which exists between our two countries. Kenya and Nigeria share values and aspirations in various sectors including political, socio-economic, cultural, diplomatic exchange and indeed hold commonality of views on many continental and international issues.”

In his response, Tinubu expressed his desire to work with the Kenyan President and other African leaders to champion issues of mutual interest.

“I intend to maintain that long, cordial relationship between our two countries and continue to pursue the aspiration of our forefathers towards building a stronger and more economically stable Africa,” he said.

Tinubu pledged to work with Kenya in the areas of economic growth, development, and tackling insecurity in line with his agenda for Nigerians.

“If we exchange ideas and inter-relate, it will help our continent. Economic opportunities would be explored for Africa’s growth and security,” the President-elect stated.

Tinubu further promised to pay a visit to the East African country at a later time to further explore areas of common interest for the benefit of the two countries and the continent.

The Star