President Ruto apologises to Tanzania, Kenyan youth amidst rising regional tensions
“From Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, please forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if we have wronged you in any way, please forgive us,” Ruto said.
President William Ruto has apologised to Tanzania and the younger generation of Kenyans during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Nairobi on Wednesday, amid rising diplomatic and public tensions.
Ruto made the remarks in response to a call by visiting American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden, who urged leaders to pursue reconciliation. The President addressed the fallout between Kenya and its neighbours, as well as criticism from the youth.
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“From Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, please forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if we have wronged you in any way, please forgive us,” Ruto said. “To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologise. To our neighbours, if there has been any misstep, forgive us. We want to build relationships that will move our countries forward,” he added.
The apology comes in the wake of a diplomatic row sparked by the deportation of six Kenyans who had travelled to Tanzania to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The incident triggered online uproar, with social media users from both countries clashing over the move.
In Tanzania, the backlash led to some legislators reportedly switching off their phones after receiving multiple WhatsApp messages from Kenyans. The tensions deepened during a budget debate in the Tanzanian Parliament, where several MPs lashed out at Kenyan citizens.
Geita MP Joseph Musukuma dismissed the criticism, saying, “We are far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We top in everything. Speaking good English isn’t a priority for us.”
He accused Kenyan activists of interfering in Tanzania’s internal matters and defended the deportations as a move to protect national sovereignty.
Felista Deogratius Njau condemned the use of artificial intelligence by Kenyan users to create mocking images of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. “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 also supported the government’s response. “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 diplomatic standoff has drawn international concern, with the United States Bureau of African Affairs issuing a statement expressing “deep concern” over the treatment of the deported activists.
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