The Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has publicly called out President William Ruto over his planned visit to Tanzania, where he is expected to address the Tanzanian parliament.
In a statement on Monday, May 4, the group accused Ruto of placing Kenya’s stamp of legitimacy on a fraudulent regime and electoral process.
According to the Sifuna-led faction, Ruto’s visit to Tanzania comes at a time when the legitimacy of Tanzania’s president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is being questioned, and this risks being interpreted as an endorsement of contested political processes that, according to multiple international observer missions, fell short of democratic standards.
“By addressing the Tanzanian parliament, Ruto is attempting to place Kenya’s stamp of legitimacy on a fraudulent regime and electoral process,” the statement reads in part.
President William Ruto speaking in Atlanta, US on May 22, 2024.
PCS
“In such a context, a high-profile presidential address risks being interpreted as an endorsement of contested processes and a troubling departure from Kenya’s longstanding commitment to democratic values,” it added.
The group further referenced the detention of opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA, a top opposition party in Tanzania, arguing that the political environment in the country was not conducive to a credible, peaceful, or democratic outcome.
On Ruto’s address to the Tanzanian parliament, the group recalled a previous incident in which Kenyan activists were allegedly mocked on the same floor after being mistreated in Tanzania. The group says the memory of the incident raises questions about the intent and timing of Ruto’s speech.
“We have also not forgotten that it was on the floor of the Tanzanian Parliament, where Kenyan activists who were brutalized in Tanzania were mocked repeatedly, with some of the vilest comments coming from people who should essentially be honourable. We must therefore question the intent and timing of this address.”
At the same time, the faction linked the visit to Kenya’s political future, stating that the country is headed into a general election. According to the group, Ruto’s regional engagements could signal troubling precedents of democratic conduct back in the country.
“but we wish to categorically state that Kenya is neither Tanzania nor Uganda, and the wishes of the people here will prevail in 2027,” the statement said.
Adding that, “It is against this backdrop that the Linda Mwananchi leadership condemns in the strongest terms possible, this planned address to the Tanzanian parliament, and dissociates the Kenyan people from it entirely. Long-suffering Tanzanian citizens expect nothing less from their Kenyan allies.”
Their statement comes minutes after President Ruto landed in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam, where he is expected to hold a state visit.
During his visit, Kenya’s head of state is also expected to address the Tanzanian parliament on Tuesday, May 5, at 11 am.
While full details on the reason for the address have yet to be revealed, state officials indicate that it will focus on various issues aimed at strengthening cooperation and brotherhood between Kenya and Tanzania-Kenyans.co.ke.