Kenyan Senator Urges Samia to Seek Handshake & Form Broad-based Gov’t with Opposition

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a close ally of Kenyan President William Ruto, has publicly advised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to form a “broad-based government” following her recent re-election.

The Senator’s advice, delivered via a social media post, drew an immediate parallel with the political truce struck in Kenya this year.

Call for Tanzanian Broad-based Government

Senator Cherargei offered his congratulations to President Suluhu for securing a victory in the Tanzania General Elections. He noted that Suluhu's party secured 270 parliamentary seats.

The Senator then explicitly called for a political gesture of reconciliation from the Tanzanian leader.

“Congratulations H.E suluhufor winning AGAINST Samia in the Tanzania General Elections including getting 270 parliamentary seats against 272 seats,” Cherargei wrote on X.

He wrote that President Suluhu should "celebrate in magnanimity and now start the Process of Handshake/Broadbased government to form an inclusive Government.”

READ ALSO: Tanzania Election: Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins with 98% Amidst Violence & Boycotts

 The advice also included a call for Tanzania to draft a new constitution to reflect the people's wishes.

The Senator concluded with a common Kiswahili phrase: "Kwelikwajiranikunawakamoto!!"

This translates roughly to "Truly, things are heated up at the neighbour’s place," acknowledging the turbulent atmosphere surrounding the polls.

Tanzania Election Marred by Chaos

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s win in the October 2025 election was quickly marred by violence and controversy. Numerous observers and human rights groups described the vote as less of a contest and more of a “coronation”.

The main opposition party, CHADEMA, was banned from participating, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, was detained on what critics called trumped-up charges. Reports detailed widespread discontent.

Protests erupted in cities like Dar es Salaam, amidst allegations of election rigging, a nationwide internet shutdown, and curfews. Credible reports confirmed the use of firearms and tear gas by security forces against demonstrators.

Echoes of Kenya’s March 2025 Pact

Senator Cherargei’s suggestion is clearly modeled on the political deal struck in Kenya on 7th March 2025.

This agreement, which established a "broad-based government," saw President William Ruto join forces with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

This Kenyan pact was framed as a necessity to address major national challenges, including a ballooning public debt and corruption. It also followed youth-led protests against tax increases, which had led to a government crisis.

The "Handshake" is a recurring feature of Kenyan politics. The 2018 Handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga was meant to ease post-election tensions.

Similarly, the 2025 Ruto-Odinga pact aims to foster national unity and implement key reforms, though critics view it as an elite strategy to manage power and maintain stability.

ALSO READ: Little-Known Facts About Tanzania’s President Samia’s Husband, Children & Rise in Politics

The broad-based government is intended to bring together all communities and regions in an inclusive manner.

International Dialogue

Cherargei's comments highlight the ongoing political dialogue between East African nations.

His advice positions the Kenyan political model, however contentious, as a potential path for reconciliation in a neighbouring country facing post-election turbulence.

The Senator's call emphasises the regional importance of inclusive governance in maintaining stability.