Tanzanian MP: We accept President Ruto’s apology

A Tanzanian Member of Parliament has said that the neighbouring country has accepted President William Ruto’s apology, adding that both Kenya and Tanzania must embrace diplomacy in resolving any arising issues.

Zahor Mohamed, however, emphasised that Kenya and Tanzania must strive to address emerging issues through established channels to strengthen their bilateral relations.

Zahor is the MP representing the Mwera constituency in Tanzania and a member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

Speaking while addressing his colleagues in the Tanzanian Parliament on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the lawmaker highlighted the importance of the mutual relationship shared between the two nations and called for efforts to mend and maintain the friendship.

Mohamed noted that it is common for countries that cooperate closely to experience disagreements, but such differences should not erode long-standing relations.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation promptly. I read that our friend and brother, President Ruto, has offered us an apology. We accept it because no human being is perfect. It’s possible that we also had a fault, and we must forgive each other so that life can move forward, because as human beings, we are bound to make mistakes,” Zahor said.

“I would also like to urge that, even where we as Parliament may have stumbled, the truth is that we need each other as friends and neighbouring countries. We cannot work together without facing challenges,” he added.

During the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park on Wednesday, President Ruto apologised to neighbouring countries Uganda and Tanzania for any wrongs committed by Kenya.

“Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise,” President Ruto stated.

The diplomatic tension between Kenya and Tanzania arose from the deportation of Kenyan activists who had travelled to Tanzania to witness the hearing of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The incident escalated into a bitter exchange between the two East African nations, with their citizens clashing online over regional politics.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu later explained that the activists were deported for interfering in Tanzania’s internal affairs.

She also called on security agencies to heighten surveillance to protect the country from external interference.