Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has congratulated Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her landslide re-election, calling on her to form an inclusive government to foster unity and reconciliation after a tense election period.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cherargei praised Suluhu’s overwhelming victory but urged her to use the win to promote dialogue and democratic reforms. He encouraged the Tanzanian leader to initiate a “handshake” process a political approach aimed at national cohesion and shared governance.
“Your Excellency Suluhu, celebrate in magnanimity and now start the process of handshake/broad-based government with an aim of forming an inclusive government. Now also start the process of writing a new constitution to reflect the wishes of the people of Tanzania,” Cherargei stated.
President Suluhu, running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, secured approximately 31.9 million votes translating to 97.66 per cent of the total ballots cast according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The INEC chairperson, Jacobs Mwambegele, announced that voter turnout stood at an impressive 87 per cent of the 37.6 million registered voters.
Cherargei noted that while Suluhu’s victory demonstrated strong public support, it also underscored the need for political inclusivity, greater democratic space, and human rights protections. “Kweli kwa jirani kunawaka moto,” he remarked a Swahili phrase meaning “indeed, our neighbour is on fire,” suggesting the intensity of political activity in Tanzania.
The senator’s remarks come amid regional calls for constitutional and electoral reforms in East Africa, with leaders emphasizing the importance of unity and open governance following contested elections.
If implemented, Cherargei’s proposal for an inclusive government could mark a new chapter for Tanzania — one centered on dialogue, reconciliation, and national development.
