President Ruto seeks forgiveness over Tanzania tensions, Gen Z fallout
"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 issued a public apology to Tanzania and to the younger generation of Kenyans during the National Prayer Breakfast held in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Ruto responded to a call for reconciliation made by visiting American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden.
He extended a message of peace to Kenya’s neighbours and youth, following recent diplomatic and public tensions.
"Our neighbors 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
His remarks come days after tensions flared between Kenya and Tanzania following the deportation of six Kenyans who had travelled to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with citizens from both countries engaging in heated exchanges online.
Tensions have escalated online, with some Tanzanian MPs reportedly switching off their phones after receiving numerous WhatsApp messages from Kenyans.
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 traveled 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 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.
