President Uhuru congratulates new elected Somalia leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated the newly elected President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In his congratulatory message, Kenyatta wished the new Somalia Head of State good health and success as he takes over the reins of leadership, and assured him of Kenya’s continued cooperation and comradeship.

Mohamud was elected president after a final vote that was only open to the country’s MPs.

He defeated the current president, Mohamed Abudallahi Farmajo, who has been in office since 2017.

The ballot was limited to Somalia’s 328 MPs due to security concerns over holding a wider election, and one of them did not cast a vote.

Mohamud received 214 votes, defeating Farmajo who won 110 votes.

Three MPs are reported to have spoiled their ballots.

The unusual circumstances highlight Somalia’s security issues as well as the lack of democratic accountability.

The result marks a comeback for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who served as Somalia’s president between 2012 and 2017 before he was defeated by Farmajo.