President William Ruto has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema after his re-election for a second five-year term, describing the outcome as a clear show of confidence in his leadership and plans for Zambia’s development.
Hichilema, 64, won the August 13 presidential election with 2,965,326 votes, representing about 61.4 per cent of the valid votes, according to results released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. His closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), garnered 1,856,217 votes, or about 38 per cent.
Ruto congratulated Hichilema in a message dated Tuesday, August 18, saying his victory reflected his determination to advance Zambia.
“Your resounding and decisive victory is a testament to your unwavering dedication, perseverance and commitment to the advancement of Zambia,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan president said the election result also showed the level of trust Zambians had placed in Hichilema and his plans for the country’s future.
“It is, above all, an affirmation of the trust and confidence that the people of Zambia have placed in your visionary leadership towards advancing the nation’s development and prosperity,” he said.
Hichilema’s victory marks the latest chapter in a long political journey that has seen him contest the presidency seven times. He first won the top seat in 2021 after defeating then-President Edgar Lungu, ending the Patriotic Front’s rule and bringing the United Party for National Development (UPND) to power.
His latest challenger, Mundubile, is a former provincial minister and opposition politician who was making his first bid for the presidency. His campaign focused on public concerns over the rising cost of living, arguing that improvements in Zambia’s economic indicators had not been felt enough by ordinary citizens.
The 2026 election was held against a difficult political and economic background. During his first term, Hichilema’s government worked to restructure Zambia’s debt after the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020, while also implementing economic reforms supported by international lenders.
His administration also introduced free secondary education and expanded social programmes. At the same time, Zambia faced drought, power shortages and continued pressure from high living costs.
Although voting day was largely peaceful, tensions emerged during the counting process. The Electoral Commission temporarily halted the tally following reports of violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers.
Opposition figures also questioned aspects of the counting process and raised allegations of irregularities. Hichilema’s camp disputed those claims.
Ruto said Kenya considers Zambia an important partner in the region and expressed his intention to strengthen ties between the two countries during Hichilema’s second term.
“Kenya regards Zambia not only as a brotherly nation, but also as a valuable partner and ally in the region,” he said.
The President said Nairobi was ready to build on the existing relationship with Lusaka through closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
“Dear Brother, I look forward to continuing to work closely with you to further solidify and broaden the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” Ruto said.
Hichilema’s re-election gives his administration another five years to continue with its economic recovery efforts and pursue policies aimed at supporting sustained growth.
The outcome also provides continuity as the government works to deal with Zambia’s economic challenges and maintain investor confidence. However, the administration will face pressure to create more jobs, reduce the cost of living and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth delivers wider benefits to citizens.
Voters will also expect the government to provide stronger economic opportunities and improve living standards during Hichilema’s second term.
For Kenya, the re-election presents an opportunity to further strengthen relations with Zambia, with Ruto pledging continued cooperation between Nairobi and Lusaka.
The Kenyan president also wished Hichilema and the people of Zambia peace, unity and prosperity as the country begins a new five-year term under his leadership.