President William Ruto on Monday congratulated Samia Suluhu for winning the recently concluded elections in Tanzania, which were marred by violent protests.
Ruto sent his congratulatory message just hours before her swearing-in ceremony, attended by regional leaders and dignitaries, including the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Burundi.
Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at the inauguration, which was held at the military parade grounds in Dodoma rather than a stadium, as in previous years. The ceremony was closed to the public but broadcast live on state television.
In his statement, Ruto highlighted the deep ties shared between Kenya and Tanzania.
“Kenya and Tanzania share deep historical ties and common aspirations for the prosperity and stability of our peoples, anchored in our shared history and our joint membership in the East African Community (EAC)”. He said
Commenting on the election-related protests, Ruto pledged Kenya’s support and urged Tanzanians to embrace dialogue to safeguard democracy and stability.
“I call upon the patriotic people of Tanzania to uphold peace and the rule of law, and I encourage all political actors and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and tolerance as they seek to resolve any issues at hand in order to safeguard democracy and stability”, he noted.
He added, “Kenya stands ready to continue engaging constructively in the pursuit of our shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated East Africa”.
In her victory speech on Saturday, Samia said the poll was “free and democratic” and described the protesters as “unpatriotic”.
Opposition leaders and activists say hundreds were killed in clashes with security forces. The opposition Chadema party claimed it had recorded “no less than 800” deaths by Saturday.
Samia came into office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.
