Linda Mwananchi condemns Ruto’s planned address to Tanzanian parliament

Linda Mwananchi's faction leaders during past rally / HANDOUT

A section of Kenyan leaders under the Linda Mwananchi faction have criticised President William Ruto’s planned visit to Tanzania.

President Ruto is expected to address the country’s parliament, with the Linda Mwananchi faction describing the move as a betrayal of democratic principles.

In a statement released on Monday, the faction said the visit comes in the wake of what it termed as serious concerns surrounding Tanzania’s recent elections, arguing that Kenya risks appearing to legitimise a contested political process.

“We are compelled to speak out because the Kenyan Presidency is a symbol of our nation's sovereignty so that the holder of the office does not possess the power to do with it as he pleases,” they said.

“By addressing the Tanzanian parliament, Ruto is attempting to place Kenya’s stamp of legitimacy on a fraudulent regime and electoral process. 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.”

The group maintained that the Kenyan presidency, as a symbol of national sovereignty, must reflect democratic values and the will of the people.

The leaders pointed to last year’s elections in Tanzania, alleging widespread irregularities and a crackdown on the opposition. They cited the banning of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and the arrest of its leader, Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

They also referenced concerns raised by international observers, including the African Union and the United Nations, which flagged issues such as ballot stuffing, internet shutdowns, and alleged human rights violations during and after the elections.

According to the faction, these developments undermined the credibility of the electoral process.

Against this backdrop, the Linda Mwananchi faction warned that President Ruto’s address to the Tanzanian parliament could be interpreted as an endorsement of a disputed regime and a departure from Kenya’s traditional stance on democratic governance.

The group questioned the timing of the visit, urging the government to prioritise domestic challenges such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and waning public trust in leadership.

The leaders are Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among other legislators allied to the faction.

While sharply critical of Tanzania’s leadership, the faction expressed solidarity with the country’s citizens, noting shared aspirations within the East African Community for deeper integration and improved livelihoods.

The leaders also linked the issue to Kenya’s upcoming 2027 elections, cautioning that associations with leaders accused of undermining democracy could signal worrying trends ahead of the polls.

“It is against this backdrop that the Linda Mwananchi leadership condemns, in the strongest terms possible, this planned address to the Tanzanian parliament and dissociate the Kenyan people from it entirely. Long-suffering Tanzanian citizens expect nothing less from their Kenyan allies.”

President Ruto is set to depart the country on Monday, May 4, 2026, for a two-day state visit to Tanzania, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbouring nations.

During the visit, Ruto will hold a one-on-one meeting with his host, Samia Suluhu Hassan, before the two leaders convene official bilateral talks involving delegations from both countries.

The discussions are expected to focus on deepening cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, infrastructure and transport, areas that remain central to economic integration within the East African region.

According to a statement from State House, the talks will seek to reinforce the longstanding fraternal relations between Kenya and Tanzania, with both sides also expected to explore new areas of mutual interest.

The leaders will later address the media, outlining key outcomes of their engagements.