Ruto Hailed in Tanzania as MPs Pray for His Re-election After Landmark Address
President William Ruto received an unusually warm reception from Tanzanian lawmakers after delivering a historic address to Parliament in Dodoma, with several MPs openly praying for his re-election and praising his leadership.
During Tuesday’s session, members of the Tanzanian National Assembly lauded Ruto’s presidency, declaring that Kenyans “did not make a mistake” when they elected him in 2022 and expressing optimism about his prospects in the 2027 General Elections.
Ikungi West MP Emmanuel Kingu told the House that ties between Kenya and Tanzania transcend borders, framing Ruto’s leadership as beneficial to the wider East African region.
“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Kenyans did not make a mistake in electing Ruto in 2022… Our borders cannot divide us. Tell Kenyans we take them as our brothers and sisters and we will continue to support you,” Kingu said.
In a striking moment that underscored the tone of the session, the MP went further to invoke faith, offering prayers for Ruto’s political future while referencing Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“You have chosen to believe in our President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Who are we not to pray for you so that you can win the next general elections?” he added, before reading a Bible verse directed at the Kenyan leader.
Historic Address in Dodoma
Ruto’s speech marked a rare diplomatic milestone. He became only the second foreign Head of State to address Tanzania’s Parliament since independence—following the late former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi, who did so in 2002.
The Kenyan leader used the platform to emphasise regional integration, trade expansion, and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of deepening cooperation between Nairobi and Dodoma.
His visit—spanning May 4 to May 5—was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with discussions centred on economic collaboration and cross-border development projects.
Tanga Refinery Proposal Sparks Mixed Reactions
Among the key announcements was a proposed multi-billion-shilling oil refinery project in Tanga, a move Ruto framed as a major step toward boosting regional energy capacity.
Tanga MP Kassim Mbaraka welcomed the proposal, noting the region’s long-standing development challenges.
“I am from Tanga and the region has lagged behind on development. But today you have said a refinery should be constructed in Tanga. Thank you so much,” he said.
However, the announcement also exposed underlying diplomatic sensitivities. President Samia publicly rebuked Ruto for unveiling the refinery plan without prior consultation with her government—highlighting tensions beneath an otherwise cordial visit.
Balancing Diplomacy and Politics
While the parliamentary praise underscored strong personal and political goodwill toward Ruto, analysts note that such overt endorsements—particularly calls for his re-election—are unusual in diplomatic settings and may raise eyebrows back home.
Even so, the visit reaffirmed the strategic importance of Kenya-Tanzania relations, with both leaders signalling commitment to closer cooperation despite occasional policy differences.
Also Read: IEBC Warns of Fake Recruitment Ads Ahead of May By-Elections