Ruto Offers Olive Branch to Tanzania and Kenya’s Gen-Z Activists

Kenyan President William Ruto has issued an apology to Tanzania following a diplomatic rift caused by the arrest and deportation of East African activists, including Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi and Uganda’s Agather Atuhaire, who reported being tortured while in Tanzanian custody.

The incident triggered anger among Tanzanian lawmakers, who condemned online harassment from Kenyan social media users directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan, calling it a violation of Tanzania’s sovereignty. In response, Ruto sought to ease tensions by apologizing and acknowledging any offenses committed by Kenyans.

He also extended an apology to Kenya’s Gen-Z population, who have been vocal critics of his leadership, particularly in the aftermath of deadly anti-tax protests in June 2024. Ruto’s remarks followed a call for reconciliation by U.S. preacher Rickey Allen Bolden.