Ruto receives goodwill message from Chad President Deby
By Sharon Atieno, July 6, 2026President William Ruto has received a goodwill message from Chad President Idris Mahamat Deby during a meeting with the country’s Special Envoy, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, at State House, Nairobi.
Nguilin, who also serves as Chad’s Minister of State and Minister of Finance, Budget and Economy, delivered the message on behalf of President Deby as Kenya and Chad reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Ruto lauds Deby’s leadership
Speaking in his X account on Monday, July 6, 2026, following the meeting, Ruto commended President Deby for his friendship and contribution to Africa’s development, particularly on matters relating to African Union institutional reforms.
“I commended President Deby for his friendship and appreciated his contribution to the development of Chad and the issues concerning our continent, including institutional reform of the African Union,” Ruto said.
The President also congratulated Chad on its successful presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2024 and 2025, saying they reflected Africa’s growing democratic maturity.
“I congratulated President Deby for his country’s successful presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024 and 2025 respectively, clear proof that democracy in Africa is taking root,” he stated.
Strong Kenya-Chad ties
Ruto said Kenya and Chad continue to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations founded on African solidarity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to promoting peace and stability both on the continent and globally.
He noted that the two countries have maintained close cooperation on regional security matters while pursuing common development goals.
“Our two nations maintain strong and cordial diplomatic relations anchored on African solidarity, mutual respect and shared goals in regional and global peace,” the President said.
Haiti mission highlighted
The Head of State also reflected on the collaboration between Kenya and Chad during the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
“Our two countries worked closely in the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and achieved commendable progress in stabilising the Caribbean nation. After our withdrawal, Chad took over the successive leadership of the Gang Suppression Force,” Ruto said.
Kenya concluded its drawdown from Haiti in April this year after the successful completion of the MSS mission. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja visited the remaining Kenyan officers during the final phase of the withdrawal, where they praised the contingent for its professionalism and contribution to restoring stability.
The mission later transitioned into the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with Chad assuming leadership as international efforts to combat gang violence in Haiti continued.