In a heartfelt address during the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel, Kenyan President William Ruto issued a public apology to Tanzania, Uganda, and the youth of Kenya. His speech struck a humble tone as he acknowledged past wrongs that may have strained regional and domestic relationships.
President Ruto began by asking for forgiveness from neighboring countries, specifically Tanzania and Uganda. This came after diplomatic tensions flared in recent months, most notably the deportation of Kenyan activists from Tanzania. These activists had traveled to attend a court hearing involving Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The incident sparked heated debates online and criticism from politicians on both sides.
“To our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” Ruto said. “And to our friends in Uganda, if there is anything Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologize.”
He didn’t stop at foreign relations. Ruto also addressed Kenya’s youth, many of whom have been at odds with his administration following the 2024 anti-tax protests. These demonstrations led to widespread unrest and the tragic deaths of several young protesters at the hands of security forces.
“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologize,” he said. “We want to build a relationship that will make our country great.”
The president used the platform to appeal for national unity and healing. He encouraged Kenyans to focus less on blame and more on reconciliation. “Let us do less of finding fault and do more of building bridges that can make us a greater nation,” he urged.
These remarks come as Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government faces mounting criticism over economic hardship, heavy taxation, and allegations of corruption. Many Kenyans, especially young people, have expressed frustration with what they view as a government out of touch with their struggles.
Despite the challenges, Ruto closed his speech on a hopeful note. “I am confident about the future of Kenya,” he said. “The future, no matter what happens, is going to be greater than our past.”
By Lucky Anyanje