NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto of Kenya has formally extended his congratulations to Tanzania’s President-elect, Samia Suluhu Hassan, following her victory in the recently concluded general elections.
President Hassan, who initially assumed office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, secured the win with over 98% of the votes cast, according to Tanzania’s electoral body.
In a statement issued on Monday just hours before her swearing-in ceremony, President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties within the spirit of the East African Community (EAC).
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I extend sincere congratulations to Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election in the General Election held on 29 October 2025,” Mr. Ruto said.
Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at the inauguration, which was held at the military parade grounds in Dodoma rather than a stadium, as in previous years. The ceremony was closed to the public but broadcast live on state television.
Plea for peace and dialogue
President Ruto underscored the deep connection between the two nations, which are bound by a shared history and membership in the EAC, before addressing the post-election instability.
He said, “Kenya and Tanzania share deep historical ties and common aspirations for the prosperity and stability of our peoples, anchored in our shared history and our joint membership in the East African Community (EAC).”
In light of the demonstrations and allegations of malpractice that have marred the election, the Kenyan president called for restraint and dialogue among all parties to safeguard democracy and stability in Tanzania.
“I call upon the patriotic people of Tanzania to uphold peace and the rule of law, and I encourage all political actors and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and tolerance as they seek to resolve any issues at hand in order to safeguard democracy and stability,” the president said.
He further affirmed Kenya’s readiness to continue engaging constructively with Tanzania for a progressive and integrated regional bloc.
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“Kenya stands ready to continue engaging constructively in the pursuit of our shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated East Africa,” he concluded.
Regional concerns over election conduct
Mr. Ruto’s congratulatory message contrasts with the stance of several regional civil society organizations.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and its partners previously issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over the conduct of the elections and alleged human rights violations.
“We stand here as East African citizen. The tragic occurrences we are witnessing in Tanzania go against the very principles that underpin the East African Community. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the joint statement read in part.
The coalition claimed a pattern of arbitrary arrests, abductions, and enforced disappearances targeting opposition figures and critics in the run-up to the vote, claims which Tanzanian authorities have repeatedly denied.
