Kenyan President William Ruto has congratulated Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he secured a second term in office, pledging continued cooperation between Kenya and Ethiopia.
In a message shared on Tuesday, October 6, Ruto described Abiy as his brother and said his re-election by Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives reflected confidence in his leadership and vision.
“Congratulations my brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on your re-election to lead Ethiopia for a second term,” Ruto said.
He said the mandate given to Abiy by Ethiopia’s lawmakers demonstrated their confidence in his leadership and the direction he has set for the country.
“Your new mandate by Ethiopia House of People's Representatives is a vote of confidence in your leadership and vision you have for your country,” the President added.
Abiy was sworn in for another five-year term on Monday, October 5, after Ethiopia’s newly constituted parliament formally appointed him prime minister.
His ruling Prosperity Party secured 438 of the 547 parliamentary seats announced following the June 1, 2026 general election, giving the party a strong majority in the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister now begins another term amid significant political and security challenges, including renewed tensions in the northern Tigray region and strained relations with Eritrea.
Abiy’s administration has also continued to pursue economic reforms and development programmes, while his government has maintained that securing reliable access to the Red Sea remains an important national priority.
Ruto wished Abiy success as he begins his new mandate, particularly in implementing Ethiopia’s transformation agenda.
“I wish you continued success as you lead Ethiopia to achieve its transformation agenda,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President further expressed Nairobi’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Addis Ababa during Abiy’s second term.
“Kenya looks forward to continuing working closely with you to advance our shared interests for the mutual benefit of our peoples, our region and the wider global community,” he said.
Kenya and Ethiopia have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations, with the two countries cooperating on trade, infrastructure, regional security and efforts to promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
Ruto’s message comes as Ethiopia begins a new parliamentary term, with Abiy expected to steer the country through a period marked by security concerns, economic priorities and regional diplomatic challenges.