President William Ruto has come under sharp criticism from a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over his planned address to the Parliament of Tanzania, with the group warning that the move risks undermining Kenya’s democratic standing.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, May 4, the “Linda Mwananchi” faction—associated with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna—accused the President of appearing to legitimise what it described as a “fraudulent regime and electoral process” in Tanzania.
The group’s remarks come as President Ruto began a state visit to Dar es Salaam, where he is scheduled to deliver a high-profile address to lawmakers on Tuesday.
“Stamp of Legitimacy”
According to the faction, the timing of the visit is particularly sensitive, citing concerns surrounding the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan and broader questions about democratic standards in the country.
“By addressing the Tanzanian parliament, Ruto is attempting to place Kenya’s stamp of legitimacy on a fraudulent regime and electoral process,” the statement read in part.
It added: “In such a context, a high-profile presidential address risks being interpreted as an endorsement of contested processes and a troubling departure from Kenya’s longstanding commitment to democratic values.”
Concerns Over Political Climate
The ODM faction further pointed to the detention of opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party, as evidence of what it termed a deteriorating political environment.
The group argued that such developments raise serious doubts about whether Tanzania currently provides conditions conducive to a “credible, peaceful or democratic outcome.”
Past Incidents Recalled
In its criticism, the faction also referenced a previous incident in which Kenyan activists were allegedly mistreated in Tanzania before being mocked on the floor of the Tanzanian Parliament.
“We have not forgotten that it was on the floor of the Tanzanian Parliament where Kenyan activists who were brutalised were mocked repeatedly,” the statement said. “We must therefore question the intent and timing of this address.”
Warning Ahead of 2027 Elections
Linking the issue to Kenya’s domestic politics, the group warned that the President’s regional engagements could set a worrying precedent ahead of the country’s next general election.
“Kenya is neither Tanzania nor Uganda, and the wishes of the people here will prevail in 2027,” the faction stated, in a pointed political message.
It concluded by “condemning in the strongest terms possible” the planned address and distancing “the Kenyan people” from the President’s engagement.
State Visit to Focus on Bilateral Ties
President Ruto, who arrived in Dar es Salaam earlier on Monday, is expected to use the visit to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Tanzania.
Although full details of his parliamentary address have not been publicly disclosed, officials indicate it will centre on regional cooperation, trade, and shared development goals between the two East African nations.
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