President William Ruto has travelled to Zambia to attend the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election in the August 2026 presidential election.
Ruto is among regional leaders expected to witness Hichilema take oath for another term in office after the 64-year-old secured 60 per cent of the votes cast.
He defeated 13 other candidates in the election, with opposition figures raising concerns over how the election was conducted.Ruto had earlier congratulated Hichilema on his victory, describing it as a reflection of what he called his visionary leadership and expressing confidence that the outcome would help strengthen relations between Kenya and Zambia.
The Kenyan President said the two countries have maintained strong ties over the years through cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
“Kenya holds its relations with the Republic of Zambia in high esteem,” Ruto said in his congratulatory message, noting that the two countries had developed deep and lasting cooperation.He added that Hichilema’s renewed mandate would provide an opportunity for Kenya and Zambia to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest and support development in both countries.
Hichilema, who first came to power in 2021, pledged in his victory speech to continue working for Zambians and focus on the country’s development and economic growth.His re-election, however, has been accompanied by political tensions, particularly following the arrest of opposition leader Brian Mundubile.
Mundubile, 55, who came second with 38 per cent of the vote, has been charged with treason alongside his running mate, Makebi Zulu. The charges have raised concerns among critics over the treatment of political opponents in the country.
Police allege that Mundubile and Zulu posed a national security threat after officers raided Mundubile’s home shortly after the election.
Authorities said they recovered rifles and other military equipment during the operation.
The two opposition figures have denied the accusations, rejecting claims that they were involved in planning an armed insurgency. They have described the allegations as fabricated.
Ruto’s visit comes at a politically sensitive moment for Zambia, with Hichilema beginning another term while facing questions over opposition freedoms and the handling of dissent.
