A high-level Kenyan delegation, representing William Samoei Ruto, attended the official swearing-in ceremony of Ismail Omar Guelleh in Djibouti, marking the beginning of his sixth term in office.
The ceremony, held at the iconic People’s Palace, was conducted in a vibrant indoor setting and symbolized the formal continuation of President Guelleh’s leadership, which began in 1999. In the recent April elections, he secured a decisive victory with 97.81 percent of the vote, reinforcing his longstanding political dominance in the country.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of regional and international leaders, highlighting Djibouti’s strategic importance within the Horn of Africa. Among the notable attendees were Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Salva Kiir Mayardit, Abiy Ahmed Ali, and Azouz Nasri, who represented Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The Kenyan delegation included Bura Member of Parliament Hon. Yakub Adow and nominated MP Hon. Abdisirat Khalif. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, along with Kenya’s Ambassador to Djibouti George N Macgoye and Djibouti’s Minister for Decentralization, Hon. Kassim Haroun Ali, who served as the official escort of honour.
The participation of Kenya reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Nairobi and Djibouti City, with both nations sharing a unified vision for peace, stability, and economic development across the Horn of Africa.
The Kenyan delegation extended its congratulations to President Guelleh and the people of Djibouti on this significant national milestone.
