Ruto Congratulates Donald Trump On US Election Victory

Kenya's President William Ruto has congratulated Donald Trump who emerged victorious in the just-concluded United States (US) Presidential Elections.

In a statement, Ruto hailed Trump's victory as a testament to the resolve of the American people to express confidence in the latter's leadership.

Trump was elected on November 6, 2024, for the second time in his history, having held a four-year term from 2017 to 2021. The historic victory avenged Trump’s loss in the 2020 election, which he and many of his supporters baselessly continued to insist was stolen from him.

Trump's win was all but confirmed after he captured the swing state of Wisconsin, which effectively put him above the required 270-vote threshold, as first called by the Associated Press (AP).

While the full count is not over, Trump is firmly on course to win the popular vote, which would make him the first Republican to achieve this feat since George W. Bush in 2004.

Ruto expressed hope of continuing Kenya's 60-year-old partnership with the United States as well as enhancing ties under the Trump administration.

Read the full statement:

Your Excellency President Donald J. Trump,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency, my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

Your victory is a testament to the firm resolve of the American people to repose confidence in your visionary, bold and innovative leadership. As you embark on this phase of your journey of leadership, Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, technology & innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development.

Kenya values its longstanding partnership with the United States spanning over sixty years grounded in our shared values of democracy, development and mutual respect. We look forward to deepening our collaboration under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our people.

Congratulations once again Mr. President-Elect, and may your tenure bring continued progress and unity to the United States of America and strengthen the bonds between our two great nations.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Why Ruto's message mattered: Ruto was the latest among a string of world leaders to extend an early congratulatory message to Trump as other nations seek early allegiances with the US, which is a known world economic superpower.

How Trump Won 2024 Elections

As reported by TIME magazine, Trump carried North Carolina, flipped Georgia back to his column, and smashed through the Blue Wall. His campaign outperformed its goal of turning out men and holding women.

Exit polls showed Trump winning large numbers of Latino men in key battleground states, improving his numbers with that group in Pennsylvania from 27% to 42%.

Nationally, Trump's support among Latino men leapt from 36% to 54%. Trump also increased his share of voters without a college degree, gained ground with Black voters in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and held steady nationally with white women, shocking Democrats who had expected a post-Dobbs uprising.

Among first-time voters, Trump boosted his support from 32% four years ago to a 54% majority. His Democratic rival Kamala Harris has not yet conceded and is expected to speak later in the day.

Donald Trump speaking during a past campaign rally. /NPR