Light moment in Tanzanian Parliament as Speaker’s joke draws laughter during Ruto address

A light-hearted moment broke the formal tone at the Tanzanian National Assembly on Tuesday when William Ruto rose to deliver his address before lawmakers.

As he welcomed the Kenyan Head of State to the podium, Speaker Mussa Zungu expressed gratitude, noting that Ruto’s presence was a significant honour to Tanzania’s legislature.

He pointed out that Ruto was only the second Kenyan president to address the House after the late Daniel arap Moi, who did so in 2002.

“Hii ni bahati na ni heshima kubwa sana,” Zungu said, drawing nods from members.

The atmosphere then shifted into laughter when the Speaker made a playful remark about Tanzania’s Water Minister, who was present in the chamber.

Zungu revealed that the minister has two wives, one of whom serves as a Member of Parliament and was seated among the legislators.

“Mke mmoja ni mbunge na yupo hapa ndani,” he said, prompting desk-tapping as the MP stood to acknowledge the mention.

He added with humour, “Sasa mheshimiwa rais, mke mwingine si mbunge lakini akikuja anakaa pale juu,” referring to the public gallery, a comment that sparked laughter across the House.

The jovial exchange briefly broke parliamentary protocol, offering a glimpse of camaraderie and cultural nuance before proceedings returned to formality as President Ruto began his official address.

Ruto is in the country on a two-day state visit.

On Monday, he held one-on-one talks with his host, President Samia Suluhu, before the two leaders led official bilateral talks between the Tanzanian and Kenyan delegations and later addressed the media. 

The talks focused on efforts to strengthen the longstanding fraternal and strategic cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya in trade, investment, infrastructure, transport, and other areas of mutual interest. 

The two leaders are expected to witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and cooperation agreements between Tanzania and Kenya.

They also participated in a Business Forum that brought together business leaders and investors from both countries.