Following deportations of activists, Kenya's President William Ruto has apologized to Tanzania, seeking reconciliation after a diplomatic spat sparked by social media outrage.**
Diplomatic Tensions Ease: Kenya's Ruto Reaches Out to Tanzania**
Diplomatic Tensions Ease: Kenya's Ruto Reaches Out to Tanzania**
President William Ruto's olive branch comes amid ongoing social media disputes between the two nations.**
Kenya's President William Ruto has made a heartfelt apology to Tanzania, signaling a desire to mend relationships that have recently soured. Tensions flared between the two neighboring countries after prominent East African activists were detained and deported from Tanzania, leading to backlash on social media directed at Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
During a national prayer breakfast, Ruto addressed the issue, stating, "To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us." He further expressed regret over the actions of Kenyans contributing to the tension, particularly via social media, where exchanges have escalated into vitriolic exchanges.
The deportations that triggered the dispute involved activists, including Kenyan Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire, who were detained while attending a trial related to opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Reports surfaced about their alleged mistreatment in Tanzanian detention, drawing condemnation from various international human rights organizations. While Tanzania has not officially commented on the claims of torture, President Samia has previously emphasized her commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty against undue interference from foreign activists.
Kenyans and Tanzanians took to social media after the incident, sparking outrage amongst Tanzanian MPs. These legislators criticized the perceived cyberbullying tactics of some Kenyans and reiterated their right to protect their nation’s interests. This online feud culminated in some MPs being targeted with an influx of messages from Kenyans voicing their discontent.
In an effort to promote dialogue, Tanzanian MP Jesca Msambatavangu endorsed constructive engagement with Kenyans, suggesting the formation of a WhatsApp group for discussions and offering to participate in a live session aimed at fostering mutual understanding.
This diplomatic overture by Ruto appears aimed at cooling down tensions and restoring goodwill between the two East African nations, which share cultural ties and a commitment to regional stability.
