Kenya’s President William Ruto has congratulated Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election, while calling for peace and dialogue in the wake of post-election unrest in the neighboring country.
In a statement on Monday, November 3, 2025, Ruto praised Suluhu’s victory in the October 29 general election, describing it as a reaffirmation of Tanzania’s democratic process.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I extend sincere congratulations to Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election in the General Election held on 29 October 2025.”
He emphasized the strong historical ties between Kenya and Tanzania, noting that both nations share aspirations for prosperity and stability under the East African Community (EAC).
“Kenya and Tanzania share deep historical ties and common aspirations for the prosperity and stability of our peoples, anchored in our shared history and our joint membership in the East African Community.”
Ruto Appeals for Dialogue in Tanzania
Beyond the congratulatory message, Ruto addressed growing tensions in Tanzania, where opposition supporters have disputed the election results, sparking protests in several regions.
He urged Tanzanians to uphold the rule of law and embrace dialogue to resolve grievances.
“I call upon the patriotic people of Tanzania to uphold peace and the rule of law, and I encourage all political actors and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and tolerance as they seek to resolve any issues at hand in order to safeguard democracy and stability.”
His remarks come amid reports of clashes between protesters and security forces, raising fears of prolonged instability.
Rights groups have called for restraint, while regional leaders are closely monitoring the situation.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
The aftermath of Tanzania’s October 29 general election has turned deadly, with opposition party CHADEMA claiming that as many as 700 people have been killed in clashes with security forces.
The party alleges that 350 deaths occurred in Dar es Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza, though these figures remain unverified.
The UN Human Rights Office has confirmed at least 10 fatalities, while Amnesty International estimates over 100 deaths across the country.
Hospitals are overwhelmed and reluctant to release official casualty data, fueling fears of underreporting.
Beyond the loss of life, the humanitarian situation is worsening.
A nationwide curfew and internet blackout have crippled communication, banking, and emergency services.
Hospitals in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza report shortages of medical supplies and blood, while thousands of injured protesters struggle to access care.
Transport paralysis has compounded the crisis. Flights have been canceled, ports disrupted, and tourists stranded in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
Schools and universities remain closed, affecting millions of students.
Rights groups accuse security forces of using live ammunition and excessive force against demonstrators.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for independent investigations and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of medical aid to affected areas.
Global Congratulations for Suluhu
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election has drawn a wave of congratulatory messages from African leaders and regional bodies.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye lauded Suluhu’s leadership, calling her win a testament to East African unity and pledging deeper cooperation on trade and security.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing joint efforts to combat terrorism and boost regional commerce.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Suluhu, describing her re-election as “a reflection of the people’s trust,” while Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed plans to attend her swearing-in ceremony.
The African Union (AU) commended Suluhu’s victory but expressed concern over post-election violence, urging dialogue and respect for human rights.
The East African Community (EAC) also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and integration.
Impact on Kenya
The unrest in Tanzania is already raising concerns in Kenya over trade, security, and regional stability.
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Both countries share a long border and are key partners in the East African Community, with annual trade volumes running into billions of shillings.
Prolonged instability could disrupt cross-border commerce, affecting the movement of goods through the Namanga and Holili border posts.
Kenya and Tanzania jointly market the region as a safari destination, and insecurity in Tanzania could lead to cancellations that hurt operators on both sides.
Transport disruptions at Tanzanian ports, particularly Dar es Salaam, may also impact Kenyan importers who rely on the corridor for cargo.
Also Read: Presidents and World Leaders Congratulate President Samia Suluhu on Securing a Second Term
Security analysts warn that escalating violence could trigger refugee flows into Kenya, straining resources in border counties such as Kajiado and Taita Taveta.
There are also fears that criminal networks could exploit the chaos to smuggle arms and contraband across the porous frontier.
For Kenya, stability in Tanzania is not just a diplomatic priority, it is an economic necessity.
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