President William Ruto has travelled to the Republic of Zambia to attend the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election in the August 13, 2026 general election.
The 64-year-old incumbent, who has been in office since 2021, secured a second term after winning 60 percent of the vote against 13 opposition candidates in an election that critics said was tightly managed by his administration.
In his victory address, President Hichilema pledged to serve all Zambians and focus his second term on accelerating national growth and economic development.
President Ruto congratulated Hichilema on his re-election, praising his leadership and reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to deepening the longstanding bilateral and multilateral ties between the two countries.
Ruto expressed confidence that the election outcome would further strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance economic cooperation between Kenya and Zambia.
However, the post-election environment remains tense following the arrest and high-treason charges against 55-year-old first-time presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38 percent of the vote.
Security forces raided the home of the opposition leader a day after the election, alleging that they recovered firearms and military equipment. Authorities subsequently accused Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, of posing a threat to national security.
Both leaders have strongly rejected the allegations, dismissing claims of an armed rebellion as fabricated.
The arrest of the prominent opposition figure has heightened concerns over the government’s handling of political opposition and the broader political climate following the election.
