Kenyan President William Ruto
Dar es Salaam. Political analysts in Tanzania have hailed Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent apology to Tanzania as a bold diplomatic move that could strengthen East African unity and prevent further deterioration in regional relations.
The analysts say Ruto’s public remarks—delivered at Kenya’s Annual National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday—demonstrate diplomatic maturity and a commitment to regional cohesion at a time of rising tensions.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 28, President Ruto apologized to Tanzania, saying:
“To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. If there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise.”
His remarks come following the arrest and subsequent deportation of Kenyan activists in Tanzania as they sought to engage in Tanzania’s internal affairs.
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, Kenyan politician and activist Martha Karua, alongside member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network were detained upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport and promptly deported.
Besides, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agatha Atuhaire, were also sent back to their homes from Tanzania after they managed to enter Tanzania as ‘observers’ of a treason case facing Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu.
The deportation has seen social media platforms awash with insults from some Kenyans against President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Amidst claims that Mwangi was held incommunicado and tortured before being deported, the incident drew strong reactions from both civil society and government representatives in Kenya and Uganda. Tanzanian lawmakers also took up the matter on Monday, demanding that President Hassan be respected and declaring that any attempt to disrespect her was an attack on Tanzania.
Against such a background, political analysts in Tanzania say President Ruto’s statement signals an important attempt to prevent a further deterioration of the situation and avoid a deterioration of cordial relations between the two countries. A political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dr Onesmo Kyauke, said the apology reflects Kenya’s awareness of the importance of regional cohesion, especially within the East African Community (EAC).
“President Ruto’s comments are not just about mending bilateral ties but are a broader diplomatic gesture aimed at preserving regional unity. Tensions were beginning to distract from the EAC’s shared goals,” he said.
Dr Richard Mbunda, also a political scientist at UDSM, said Ruto’s apology sends a powerful signal of restraint and responsibility at a time when nationalist sentiment was rising on both sides of the border.
“It is rare for a head of state to make such a public apology. It demonstrates diplomatic maturity and a willingness to prioritise peace over pride,” said Dr Mbunda.
Commenting on the diplomatic implications, a political analyst at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Prof Makame Ali Ussi, said the situation could have escalated if not for Ruto’s timely remarks.
“This apology should be seen as a move to de-escalate, not to admit guilt. It’s a strategic use of soft power, especially when public perception is as influential as policy,” said Prof Ussi.
For his part, political scientist at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, said the apology also speaks to internal political considerations in Kenya.
“President Ruto is facing growing pressure from domestic critics, especially among the youth. The apology may also be interpreted as part of a wider attempt to demonstrate humility and responsiveness,” he said.
On top of that, lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Revocatus Kabobe, said that while the apology is welcome, the Tanzanian government should also address the allegations of mistreatment raised by the detained activists.
“Tanzania must not ignore claims of torture and denial of consular access. These are serious issues that affect the country’s image internationally,” he said.
He further urged both governments to use the incident as a lesson to improve consular cooperation and diplomatic communication during cross-border incidents involving civil society actors.
Analysts say the next steps taken by both governments will determine whether the incident leads to a strengthened relationship or leaves lingering mistrust.
“This is a test for East African diplomacy. Kenya has made a gesture of peace. Now it is up to Tanzania and Uganda to respond in a way that preserves dignity,” said Dr Mbunda.
