“Ooh, sorry! Activists goofed,” says Ruto
NAIROBI, Kenya: KENYA’S President William Ruto has publicly apologised to Tanzania, following days of diplomatic tension sparked by a group of activists from his country.
His remarks come in the aftermath of a row triggered by the detention and deportation of several Kenyan activists, who were accused of disrespecting Tanzanian sovereignty.
The controversy escalated as some Kenyans on social media targeted Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan in response to the actions taken against the activists.
This prompted angry Tanzanian Members of Parliament to accuse Kenyans of cyberbullying, disrespecting Tanzania’s sovereignty and meddling in its domestic affairs.
Speaking at a national prayer breakfast held in Nairobi on Wednesday, President Ruto offered a public apology and called for reconciliation, not only with Tanzania but also with Uganda and the wider East African Community.
“To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” he said.
Diplomatic analysts in Tanzania welcomed Ruto’s gesture, describing it as a wise move to preserve strong relations between the two countries.
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“If there has been any misstep on our part, we apologise. Let us focus less on blaming and more on building relationships that strengthen our nations,” President Ruto added.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News,’ Director of Catalyst for Health Equity and Social Development in Tanzania, Dr Boniphace Idindili, expressed gratitude for President Ruto’s apology.
“I am very thankful to President Ruto for apologising on behalf of Kenyans. I expected a different response, as only a small group of individuals acted on their own, not representing all Kenyans,” said Dr Idindili.
He insisted the importance of trusting the security and defence forces, suggesting there may have been ulterior motives behind the activists’ visit to Tanzania, which could explain the government’s response to protect national interests.
“If their intentions were genuine, and if they were mistreated as claimed, there are mechanisms within the East African Community that could have been used to resolve the issue without causing a public uproar,” Dr Idindili added.
Economic diplomacy expert Professor Kitojo Wetengere noted the necessity of strong cooperation between the two countries. He warned that even a minor dispute could disrupt vital economic collaborations.
“When it comes to diplomatic matters, especially economic diplomacy, we must remember that we rely on each other as neighbouring countries,” said Prof Kitojo.
While commending President Ruto’s conciliatory stance, he questioned whether political cooperation, particularly involving activists, is as strong, noting a lack of such collaboration. He suggested the activists may have had intentions to incite unrest.
“I don’t believe in violent diplomacy,” Prof Kitojo stated. “Disagreements should be settled by returning to the negotiating table, engaging in dialogue and apologising when necessary. If the first attempt fails, dialogue must continue until a resolution is reached. What I strongly oppose is the use of insults and humiliation of national leaders.”
International affairs correspondent and High Court Advocate in Tanzania, Mr Novatus Igosha, remarked that President Ruto’s apology is a step towards reinforcing East African unity. He stressed the significance of the diplomatic ties that began when President Samia addressed the Kenyan Parliament in March 2021.
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“The key point is that President Ruto is demonstrating that while we all have shortcomings, the way forward lies in forgiveness, rebuilding diplomatic relations and de-escalating tensions,” Mr Igosha said.
He added that this approach will continue to strengthen cooperation initiated during President Samia’s visit to Kenya and sends a clear message: Minor mistakes should not disrupt diplomatic efforts but rather inspire continued efforts to build a united East African Community.
