Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended the peaceful conduct of the presidential election in the Republic of the Congo, while representing President William Ruto at the inauguration of President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in Brazzaville on April 16, 2026.

Murkomen led Kenya’s delegation to the ceremony marking the start of Sassou N’Guesso’s fifth term after his re-election on March 15, 2026.

Provisional results, later confirmed by the Constitutional Court, indicated that the president secured approximately 94.82% to 94.90% of the vote, with a turnout of 84.65%. The event was attended by regional leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.

Kenya–Congo diplomatic relations

Murkomen highlighted the bilateral relations between Kenya and the Republic of the Congo, noting shared commitments rooted in Pan-African solidarity, sovereign equality and Africa-led solutions to continental challenges.

“As maritime and riverine nations with strategic ecological assets, we share a common responsibility to protect and sustainably harness our aquatic ecosystems for the benefit of our people,” he said.

He congratulated President Sassou N’Guesso on his renewed mandate and noted the peaceful participation of voters during the electoral process. “I was honoured to represent the President, H.E. William Ruto, at the inauguration ceremony,” Murkomen added.

Delegation and representation

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by a delegation of Members of Parliament, including Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), Mohamed Abdirahman (Lafey), Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Linet Chepkorir (Bomet County) and John Bwire (Taveta). Kenya’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Amb. Peter Tum also joined the delegation.

Murkomen said Kenya values its relations with Congo-Brazzaville and supports enhanced cooperation in environmental protection, sustainable development and economic engagement. He noted the importance of the Congo Basin as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks.

“Kenya particularly appreciates the Republic of the Congo’s leadership within the Congo Basin ecosystem and its role in preserving one of the world’s most important carbon sinks,” he said.

Regional cooperation and climate focus

The inauguration brought together regional leaders and international representatives in Brazzaville, reflecting diplomatic engagement across Central Africa.

Kenyan officials highlighted environmental cooperation as a key area of shared interest, particularly in conservation of forests and aquatic ecosystems.

Murkomen said Kenya’s engagement aligns with broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with Central African states on climate resilience and sustainable resource management. The Congo Basin remains central to global climate regulation efforts, making regional cooperation a strategic priority.