Kenya’s President William Ruto has taken what appears to be a veiled dig at his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, following her controversial landslide victory in Tanzania’s recent general election.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday, Ruto was asked about the outcome of the Tanzanian election, in which President Suluhu was declared the winner with over 96% of the vote. While careful not to name Suluhu directly, Ruto’s response hinted at skepticism about the credibility of such a result.
“It is not for me to judge Tanzania. Every country has its own way of doing their stuff, but democracy is a work in progress. Well, in a democracy — for example, in Kenya — you can never get 96%,” Ruto said.
His comment has since drawn widespread attention across East Africa, with many interpreting it as a subtle but pointed critique of the electoral process in Tanzania. The remark comes amid ongoing international and domestic concerns about the fairness and transparency of the Tanzanian vote.
Observers reported widespread irregularities, including the disqualification of opposition candidates, restrictions on media coverage, and limited access for independent election monitors. Opposition parties have dismissed the result as a “stage-managed victory,” accusing the ruling party of manipulating the vote to maintain its grip on power.
Ruto’s comment, though diplomatically worded, underscores growing unease within the East African region about the state of democracy and governance. Kenya, often seen as a regional benchmark for competitive elections, has maintained a tradition of closely contested polls — a contrast Ruto appeared keen to highlight.
Tanzania’s electoral commission, meanwhile, has stood by its results, insisting that the election was “free and fair.” President Suluhu has not publicly responded to Ruto’s remarks, but Tanzanian officials have previously warned against “foreign interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
Analysts suggest Ruto’s statement could subtly strain diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Dodoma, though the two nations remain key trade and security partners within the East African Community (EAC).
The Tanzanian election, held on October 29, 2025, saw Suluhu claim 97.6% of the vote — an outcome that critics say reflects the absence of real opposition rather than overwhelming popular support.
Ruto’s remark — “You can never get 96%” — has since gone viral across social media, sparking heated debate over democratic values, electoral integrity, and leadership accountability across Africa.