Kenyan, Tanzanian MPs find unity in song at National Prayer Breakfast amid regional tensions
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro confirmed the Tanzanian leaders' attendance and invited them to join the Kenyan and Ugandan delegations in a worship song.
Tanzanian MPs joined their Kenyan counterparts in song during this year’s National Prayer Breakfast, offering a rare moment of unity amid rising tensions between the two nations.
The Tanzanian delegation’s presence at the event held on Wednesday, at Safari Park Hotel, came just days after a diplomatic row erupted over the arrest and deportation of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire from Dar es Salaam.
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Their detention sparked outrage in Kenya and led to strong statements from international organisations.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro confirmed the Tanzanian leaders' attendance and invited them to join the Kenyan and Ugandan delegations in a worship song.
“We have the Ugandan delegation, but we also want to invite our Tanzanian counterparts to join us in this special song. They were with us yesterday for dinner with the former Tanzanian Prime Minister,” said Osoro.
The MPs sang Bwana ni Mchungaji Wangu (The Lord is My Shepherd) together, a gesture seen as an attempt to ease the growing strain between citizens of both countries.
Tensions have escalated online, with some Tanzanian MPs reportedly switching off their phones after receiving numerous WhatsApp messages from Kenyans.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula during the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
The anger followed remarks made in the Tanzanian Parliament earlier this week, where lawmakers strongly defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan and criticised Kenyan citizens.
During a heated budget debate on Monday, Geita MP Joseph Musukuma lashed out at Kenyans over their response to the deportation incident.
“We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us,” said Musukuma.
Musukuma accused Kenyan activists of meddling in Tanzania’s internal matters, saying the country acted to protect its sovereignty.
The two activists had travelled to Tanzania to observe the trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu before being detained, allegedly tortured, and deported.
Other Tanzanian lawmakers echoed his views. Felista Deogratius Njau condemned the use of artificial intelligence by Kenyan social media users to create mocking images of President Samia Suluhu.
“How can they bully our President Samia Suluhu Hassan? I condemn this behaviour because it is not acceptable in the community. Our President must be respected, not bullied,” she said.
Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere defended the government’s actions. “She is not just a calm leader. She is the Commander-in-Chief, and when our country is threatened, she takes action,” he said.
The situation has drawn global attention. The United States Bureau of African Affairs released a statement expressing “deep concern” over the treatment of the two activists, adding further pressure to the diplomatic standoff.
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