“Please Forgive Us” – Ruto Bows to Tanzania Amid Explosive Diplomatic Showdown Over Tortured Activists
Kenyan President William Ruto has offered an official apology to Tanzania and Uganda, aiming to ease growing tensions between the neighboring countries.
During the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 28, President Ruto asked Tanzanians to forgive Kenyans for any wrongdoing.
“To our brothers and sisters in Tanzania, if we have done anything wrong, we ask for your forgiveness,” said Ruto.
He also extended his apology to Uganda and to Kenya’s youth.
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“To our Ugandan neighbors, if any Kenyan has acted inappropriately, we sincerely apologize. And to our young people, if we’ve made any mistakes, we’re truly sorry. We want to build strong, respectful relationships that move our region forward,” the President added.
Why the Apology?
The apology follows a recent diplomatic row between Kenya and Tanzania. The tension began when Tanzanian authorities deported seven Kenyan activists who had traveled to attend a court session for opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Notably, Kenyan figures such as Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and four others were denied entry into Tanzania. Activist Boniface Mwangi was reportedly arrested, detained without communication, and mistreated before being deported.
Mwangi was left at the coastal town of Ukunda on the morning of Thursday, May 22, sparking outrage across Kenya and among international human rights groups.
Tanzania Responds
In response, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu defended the deportations, accusing the activists of interfering in Tanzania’s internal matters.
“We’ve seen activists from neighboring countries trying to meddle in our domestic affairs. If they’re under control at home, they shouldn’t come here to cause trouble,” President Suluhu said.
On Monday, May 26, Tanzanian lawmakers also spoke out. MP Joseph Musukuma criticized Kenyans for allegedly insulting President Suluhu, insisting that Tanzania had nothing to learn from Kenya.
“Tanzania is ahead of Kenya in many areas, including politics. We may not be fluent in English, but we know how to live. Our police should not allow outsiders to disrupt our peace,” he stated.
“Please Forgive Us” – Ruto Bows to Tanzania Amid Explosive Diplomatic Showdown Over Tortured Activists
