Tanzanian MPs heaped praise on Kenya's President William Ruto after his address to their parliament in Dodoma on May 5, 2026, praying for his re-election in 2027. Ruto highlighted regional projects like the Tanga oil refinery, despite a public rebuke from President Samia Suluhu for not consulting first. The two-day state visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties between Kenya and Tanzania.
President William Ruto addressed Tanzania's parliament in Dodoma on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, emphasising regional cooperation, brotherhood between Kenya and Tanzania, trade, and infrastructure development. He praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan following her election in October 2025. Ruto is the second foreign head of state to address the parliament since independence, after Kenya's late Daniel Moi in 2002.
Tanzanian MPs praised Ruto, stating Kenyans did not err in electing him in 2022 and expressing optimism for his 2027 re-election. "I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Kenyans did not make a mistake in electing Ruto in 2022... Tell Kenyans we take them as our brothers and sisters," said Ikungi West MP Emmanuel Kingu. Kingu read a Bible verse praying for Ruto ahead of the polls. Tanga MP Kassim Mbaraka thanked Ruto for selecting Tanga for the multi-billion oil refinery.
However, Suluhu publicly reprimanded Ruto for announcing the Tanga project without consultation. Ruto defended it, saying: "I have heard that you asked my sister Samia Suluhu why I went ahead and made a pronouncement without having involved you." He argued East African Community integration allows joint investments, noting the refinery would benefit the region like if built in Kenya and reduce shipping vulnerabilities.
