President William Ruto has joined a list of leaders who have condoled with the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the demise of their former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness. 

President Ruto termed Buhari’s demise as a loss not only to the people of Nigeria, but to the African continent

“President Buhari demise is a loss not only to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but also to the entire African Continent, which has been immeasurably enriched by his wisdom and steadfast commitment to the liberation and prosperity of the Nigerian people”, said President Ruto in a tribute penned on X. 

President Ruto recounted how the former military strongman turned President championed for the fight against corruption in Africa as well as advancing regional-level security initiatives and support for economic integration in the continent.

He recounted Buhari’s visit to State House in Nairobi on January 2016 which he stated was a significant milestone in shaping the bilateral relations that Kenya enjoyed with Nigeria. 

Following his victory in the August 2022 elections where he was gunning for the presidential seat, President Ruto recounted how the ex-statesman Buhari was among state leaders and notable persons who sent congratulatory messages, terming it a display of faith in democratic governance and processes.

Additionally, he expressed the nation’s solidarity with Nigerian people and government as they grieve the demise of their former president, calling for Buhari’s legacy to continously serve as a source of inspiration in the common pursuit for peace, dignity and shared prosperity in the continent.

“In this time of grief, Kenya stands in solidarity with the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May the legacy of President Buhari continue to inspire all of us in our pursuit of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity across Africa,”stated President Ruto.

A former military general, Buhari ascended to power through a junta in 1982 after having served in several positions, notably as military governor of the Nigerian state of Borno, but was overthrown in 1985. 

Following his ouster, he made a comeback to the Nigerian presidency through the ballot after winning the presidential elections in 2015 as well as securing another term in 2019 which he finished in 2023 before handing over to incumbent Bola Ahmed Tinubu.