By Sekaggya Seka Moses
NAIROBI, KENYA – In a bid to ease tensions between the two East African nations, Kenyan President William Ruto has publicly apologized to Tanzania over a recent deportation row.
The diplomatic spat began when Tanzanian authorities detained and deported prominent East African activists who had traveled to the country to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The activists, including Kenyan Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, alleged that they were held incommunicado for several days and tortured before being left at the border by Tanzanian security forces.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation across the region and from international rights groups.
In response to the controversy, some Kenyans on social media targeted Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, prompting angry Tanzanian MPs to accuse Kenyans of cyberbullying and disrespecting Tanzanian sovereignty.
The row escalated into an online war, with social media users from both countries clashing over the claims.
However, in a significant gesture of reconciliation, President Ruto extended an apology to Tanzania during a national prayer breakfast on Wednesday.
“To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” Ruto said. “If there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise.”
Ruto also apologized to young Kenyans, known as Gen-Zs, who have been critical of his administration since the anti-tax protests last June.
“If we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” he added, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and healing.
Some of the Gen-Zs have dismissed Ruto’s apology, insisting that the president should resign.
The apology comes after a call by visiting American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden, who urged leaders to pursue reconciliation.
Tanzania is yet to comment on the torture claims, but President Samia had earlier warned that she would not allow activists from neighboring countries to “meddle” in her country’s affairs and cause “chaos”.
Some Tanzanian lawmakers have welcomed the engagement, with Iringa Town MP Jesca Msambatavangu encouraging Kenyans on social media to “counter ideas with ideas” and promising to engage them in a live session.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
