Malawi leader Lazarus Chakwera has congratulated Kenya’s president-elect William Samoei Ruto.

“I warmly congratulate President-Elect William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, following his election victory,” said Chakwera.

According to a statement posted on Chakwera’s verified Facebook page, Malawi stands with the people of Kenya “in their aspiration for a peaceful transition.”

He added that his government is looking forward to working with Kenya’s new president.

“Malawi stands with the people of Kenya in their aspiration for a peaceful transition and I look forward to working with the new President in taking the solid bilateral ties and intimate cooperation between Malawi and Kenya from strength to strength,” he said.

Ruto was declared winner of the August 9 general elections defeating the main opposition leader Raila Odinga.