Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has thrown his support behind Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of Wednesday’s General Election, in which she is widely expected to secure an easy victory.
In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Duale lauded President Samia as a visionary leader who has steered Tanzania toward progress and unity since assuming office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli.
“I extend my very best wishes to Her Excellency President Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan as the United Republic of Tanzania heads to the polls on 29th October,” Duale wrote.
“Under your visionary leadership, Tanzania has made remarkable strides in growth, unity, and development.”
The CS also extended his best wishes to Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, Agriculture Minister Bashe Hussein, and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) fraternity, expressing confidence that Kenya-Tanzania relations will continue to thrive.
Duale’s message makes him the highest-ranking Kenyan government official to publicly back the Tanzanian leader, whose administration has faced criticism over its treatment of opposition figures.
International observers have labeled the upcoming vote as “a coronation, not a contest,” given the lack of strong opposition candidates. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges, while others, including Luhaga Mpina, have been barred from running.
President Samia, Tanzania’s first female head of state, initially drew praise for her “four Rs” agenda reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding which reopened the country to foreign investors and restored ties with global institutions. However, recent reports suggest a tightening of political freedoms, with critics accusing her government of escalating repression against dissenting voices.
According to Freedom House, Tanzania’s democracy rating declined from “partly free” in 2020 to “not free” last year a reflection of the growing concern over shrinking political space under her administration.
