Tanzanian Member of Parliament Zahor Mohamed has publicly accepted Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent apology, emphasizing the need for continued diplomatic engagement and mutual respect between the two East African neighbours.
Speaking in the Tanzanian Parliament on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Mohamed who represents the Mwera constituency and is a member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party welcomed the apology, stating, “We accept it because no human being is perfect.” He underscored the importance of resolving disagreements through established diplomatic channels to preserve and strengthen the long-standing ties between Kenya and Tanzania.
President Ruto extended the apology during Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park on Wednesday, acknowledging possible missteps towards neighbouring countries. “Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” he said. Similar sentiments were extended to Uganda, marking an effort to defuse recent regional tensions.
The diplomatic rift emerged after several Kenyan activists were deported from Tanzania while attempting to attend the court hearing of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The deportation sparked public outcry and an online spat between citizens of both countries. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu defended the action, citing interference in domestic affairs and urging increased vigilance against external influence.
Mohamed addressed the tension with a conciliatory tone, saying, “It’s possible that we also had a fault, and we must forgive each other so that life can move forward.” He highlighted that such misunderstandings are not uncommon among closely cooperating nations but should never derail their shared goals.
He further urged that both parliaments reflect on their roles in fostering regional cohesion. “We cannot work together without facing challenges,” he noted, calling on leaders to demonstrate maturity in handling conflicts.
As the dust begins to settle, both governments now face the task of translating these reconciliatory words into concrete diplomatic efforts, reaffirming a spirit of unity within the East African Community. The gesture from President Ruto and the acceptance from Tanzania’s Parliament offer hope for renewed cooperation and stronger ties in the region.
