President William Ruto has urged Tanzanians to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law after protests and post-election violence rocked the East African nation following polls on October 29.
While congratulating President Samia Suluhu on her re-election on Monday, November 3, Ruto also challenged Tanzanian politicians to practice dialogue and resolve the current tense political situation in the country.
“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 said.
“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 to safeguard democracy and stability,” Ruto noted.
Ruto, who was speaking for the first time on the elections in Tanzania, expressed Kenya's readiness to support the return of peace and stability in Tanzania as protests entered their fifth day.
"Kenya stands ready to continue engaging constructively in the pursuit of our shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated East Africa," he expressed.
However, Ruto did not address the cases of Kenyans being among the hundreds killed during the protests that have attracted global scrutiny.
VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid took to X on Sunday and relayed that there had been reports of deaths of Kenyans, even identifying one John Okoth Ogutu, who was allegedly shot on election day, October 29.
"We are receiving reports that there are Kenyans who have been killed in Tanzania," he stated.
Okoth, who was working as a teacher in Tanzania, is said to have been killed in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, and his body is at the Mwananyamala Mortuary, according to Khalid.
Ruto's message came after a report on Saturday revealed that he had engaged in a phone call with Suluhu on Wednesday, as tensions flared in several areas in Tanzania.
According to African Intelligence, Suluhu reportedly held separate phone calls with Presidents Ruto and Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday evening, with the details of the phone calls not released.
Still, reports indicated that Suluhu could have probably sought the support of the top members of the East African Community in the wake of the post-election violence.
