Paul Kagame’s Inauguration: President Kenyatta Accompanied By First Lady Margaret Kenyatta For Ceremony

President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived Kigali to attend President Paul Kagame’s Inauguration following his re-election in the August 4 polls.

The Rwandan President-elect will take the oath of office less than 30 days after the final results of the election were officially released.

Uhuru was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for the ceremony. They departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before 9:00 am on Friday.

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They were seen off by Acting Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe, Inspector General of the National Police Service Joseph Boinett and other senior government officials.

State House Spokesperson, Manoah Esipisu, says the President is attending Paul Kagame’s inauguration to show Kenya’s solidarity with the people of Rwanda and their Government.

He will be joining 20 Heads of State and Government from Africa and beyond as well as other dignitaries who are attending the inauguration ceremony at the Amahoro National Stadium, Kigali.

Esipisu in his statement said the re-election of President Paul Kagame renews friendship and alliance between the two East African countries.

“Kenya and Rwanda have long been allies and friends. President Kagame’s re-election renews that friendship and alliance, and we look forward to working together on matters of regional security, regional integration, and infrastructure,” said Mr. Esipisu.

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Kagame, who has been in power for 17 years, won another seven-year term in office following his victory against challengers Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana earlier in the month.

According to the country’s electoral commission, he garnered 98.79 percent of the total votes cast in the poll. The two men, however, complained that their supporters were being intimidated, which they say explains the low turnout at their pre-election rallies.