Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to embark on a trip to Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sunday, where he will attend the inauguration ceremony of Zimbabwe’s newly elected President, Emerson Mnangagwa. The inauguration is scheduled for Monday, September 4.
A statement from Mudavadi’s office revealed that this official visit is planned to last two days, during which he will represent President William Ruto at the swearing-in event to be held at the National Sports Stadium.
The statement emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe and extended Kenya’s congratulations to Mnangagwa on securing his second term as President.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, H.E President William Ruto congratulates President-elect, H.E Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa on his re-election for the second term,” stated Salim Swaleh, Director of Press Service for the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
President Ruto’s message also commended the Zimbabwean people for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.
“President William Ruto commends the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for peacefully exercising their constitutional right during the election process. Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship it shares with the government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” he affirmed.
Mnangagwa secured victory in the recent presidential election with 52.6% of the vote, though the opposition criticized the process. His main challenger, Nelson Chamisa, received 44% of the vote.
It’s worth noting that Mnangagwa and Chamisa were rivals in the previous election in 2018, during which the opposition alleged electoral misconduct. However, the result was upheld by the constitutional court.
Mnangagwa, often referred to as “the crocodile,” assumed leadership in Zimbabwe in 2017 following the removal of the longtime leader, Robert Mugabe, in a military coup. Mnangagwa’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, has been in power for 43 years.
