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Apology Delivered at the National Prayer Breakfast
During the National Prayer Breakfast held in Nairobi on Wednesday, President William Ruto publicly apologized to Tanzania amid recent diplomatic tensions and also extended an olive branch to Kenya’s youth, commonly referred to as Gen Z.
The apology came after U.S. preacher Rickey Allen Bolden urged leaders to embrace reconciliation and healing. In response, Ruto said:
“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.”
He further added, “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.”
Root of the Kenya-Tanzania Dispute
The diplomatic strain began after six Kenyan citizens were deported from Dar es Salaam while attending the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The deportations triggered a wave of criticism on social media between citizens of the two countries.
Tanzanian lawmakers condemned the behaviour of some Kenyan activists and youth, calling on President Ruto to rein in those who have disrespected President Samia Suluhu. The criticism intensified during a parliamentary session on Monday, where calls for action against online disrespect were vocalized.
Minister Calls for Crackdown on Foreign Content
In an alarming development, Tanzanian Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa instructed law enforcement and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to take action against citizens spreading foreign-produced content that criticizes President Suluhu.
Read also:“His Body Is Broken”: Boniface mwangi Allegedly Tortured in TZ and Abandoned
He made the directive while presenting his ministry’s 2025/26 budget, emphasizing the need to protect national leadership from foreign influence and social media ridicule.
Release of Boniface Mwangi and Agathar Atuhaire
The tension eased somewhat following the release of Boniface Mwangi and Agathar Atuhaire, who had been detained by Tanzanian authorities. However, the activists reported experiencing torture during their detention.
Their arrest had earlier sparked outrage across the continent, with Martha Karua of the Pan African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network urging the African Union to intervene against what she termed as unlawful detention and abuse of human rights.
Hope for Renewed Regional Ties
With President Ruto’s public apology and the ongoing release of detained activists, it appears efforts are underway to cool tensions and restore diplomatic ties between Kenya and Tanzania.
As Gen Zs continue to shape political discourse across East Africa through activism and digital platforms, leaders are under pressure to foster inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation.
