President William Ruto on Monday skipped the swearing-in ceremony of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held in Dodoma, Tanzania, following a hotly contested election concluded on October 29.
In his place, President Ruto dispatched Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to represent Kenya at the high-profile event attended by heads of state, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa.
The decision by Ruto to skip the ceremony sparked curiosity among observers, especially given the close ties between Nairobi and Dodoma in recent years.
Earlier in the day, President Ruto extended his congratulations to President Suluhu via his official X account, commending her for securing a second term and expressing optimism that Kenya and Tanzania would continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
“I congratulate Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election. Kenya looks forward to deepening cooperation in trade, regional security, and infrastructure,” Ruto’s message read.
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The inauguration comes amid heightened regional tension following post-election unrest in Tanzania, which has drawn international attention.
Reports indicate that several African leaders opted to send envoys instead of attending in person, citing ongoing security concerns in parts of the country.
President Suluhu, who was declared the winner by Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission last week, took the oath of office at Dodoma’s Jamhuri Stadium in a ceremony broadcast live across the region.
She pledged to promote national unity, economic growth, and continued collaboration within the East African Community (EAC).
Kindiki’s presence at the ceremony reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic engagement with Tanzania despite the challenges facing the region.
Other leaders represented by their deputies included Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.
Meanwhile, international observers and human rights organizations have urged the Suluhu administration to address allegations of electoral malpractice and violence reported in several provinces.
As regional leaders send goodwill messages, attention now shifts to how Suluhu’s new government will navigate both domestic and regional expectations amid calls for democratic reforms and stability.
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