President William Ruto has issued a public apology to Uganda and Tanzania amid ongoing tensions that have threatened bilateral relations within the East African region.
The apology was delivered on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, during Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi—a gathering attended by political leaders, religious figures, and regional diplomats.
Speaking at the event, the Head of State extended an olive branch to Kenya’s neighbours, pledging to restore and strengthen regional partnerships under the spirit of unity and reconciliation.
“Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise,” said Ruto during the solemn address.
The apology also comes amid rising diplomatic tensions fueled by social media backlash, particularly from Kenya’s vocal Gen Z population, who have been active in challenging both domestic policies and regional relations. Observers note that the comments were, in part, a response to online attacks targeting Tanzania.
The apology comes against the backdrop of recent diplomatic unease, including a dispute with Tanzania over the deportation of Kenyan activists who had travelled to observe court proceedings involving opposition figure Tundu Lissu. The incident sparked a heated online and political exchange between citizens and lawmakers from both countries, raising concerns over regional cooperation.
In his address, President Ruto also turned inward, acknowledging the fractured relationship between the government and Kenyan youth, which has remained strained since the 2024 anti-tax protests.
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This acknowledgment follows heightened criticism from young Kenyans who have expressed frustration online over governance issues and the state’s response to protests. The demonstrations, which decried oppressive taxation and alleged poor governance, led to several casualties, including the deaths of young protestors at the hands of security officers.
“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise. We want to build a relationship that will make our country great,” he added.
Ruto further called on all Kenyans to embrace a culture of forgiveness and unity, urging the public to prioritise reconciliation over blame.
“I ask us as a people to work together, to do less of finding fault and do more of building bridges that can make us a greater nation,” he said. “I am confident about the future of Kenya and I have no doubt that Kenya is truly a blessed nation. The future, no matter what happens, is going to be greater than our past.”
Political analyst Judy Achieng described the apology as “a step toward healing and collaboration in East Africa,” noting that such public apologies are rare but significant in regional politics. However, some critics argue the apology lacks specificity and fails to address the root causes of the tensions, particularly the economic and social grievances fueling youth unrest in Kenya.
While Tanzania’s government has not issued an official response, sources indicate that President Samia Suluhu welcomed the gesture during a recent East African Community summit in Dar es Salaam. The apology underscores Kenya’s commitment to its role in regional stability within the East African Community.
The apology also comes at a time when Kenya is navigating domestic challenges, including protests over the cost of living and controversial tax policies, which have placed Ruto’s administration under intense scrutiny.
Analysts caution that for the goodwill to last, tangible actions addressing youth grievances and fostering transparent regional cooperation will be crucial.
– Additional reporting by Jeremiah Richu
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