Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for renewed efforts to strengthen relationships between Kenya and its East African neighbor Tanzania.
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi on Wednesday, 28 May 2025., Kindiki emphasized the importance of unity and constructive dialogue amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
“I am very happy to see today here our brothers and sisters from our neighboring countries within the East African community and even the prayers that were made here for the continent, for the East African region, for Kenya and for the world,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki urged continuous work on regional relationships, particularly with Tanzania.
“Looking at what was presented here, especially with our most immediate neighbor Tanzania, is a good thing. I hope some of the exchanges we’ve seen from our political leaders between our countries, we must use a moment like this to arrest those situations because it doesn’t look tidy when brothers and neighbors are talking at each other. We must build good relationships and sustain them,” he said.
Diplomatic strain
The call for calm comes amid heightened tensions triggered by the deportation of six Kenyans from Dar es Salaam earlier this month. The deportees had traveled to Tanzania to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Their expulsion led to a wave of social media criticism and diplomatic friction between the two countries.
Tanzanian parliamentarians expressed outrage over what they described as interference by Kenyan activists and youth, accusing them of cyberbullying Tanzanian officials.
Tanzanian MP Jesca Msambatavangu revealed that after criticizing Kenyan activists for meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs, her phone was flooded with calls and messages.
The tension escalated further during a heated debate in Tanzania’s parliament, where lawmakers urged Kenyan President William Ruto to take action against Kenyans disrespecting Tanzania’s Head of State, President Samia Suluhu.
Crackdown and political fallout
In response to the tensions, Tanzanian Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa directed police to crack down on citizens spreading foreign activist content deemed harmful to the president’s image.
“We will work with the Communications Regulatory Authority to identify and punish those spreading foreign activist content aimed at destabilizing our country,” Bashungwa said during his budget presentation.
Meanwhile, the Pan African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network, led by Kenyan politician Martha Karua, petitioned the African Union over claims of unlawful detention and mistreatment of Kenyan activists by Tanzanian authorities.
Although the activists were released, they reported being tortured while in custody, adding a human rights concern to the diplomatic dispute.
Kindiki’s message of hope
In this tense atmosphere, Kindiki urged leaders and citizens to prioritize peace and dialogue.
“We must not allow political disputes to overshadow the deep ties that bind East African countries,” he said during the prayer breakfast.
He concluded with a call for mutual respect and cooperation.
“As brothers and neighbors, we must strive to build and sustain good relationships for the sake of our people and the region’s future.”
