Tag: Suluhu news

Tanzania Government Responds To Ruto’s Remarks On Their Infrastructure

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The Tanzanian government has formally pushed back against remarks made by President William Ruto, who suggested that Kenya’s road infrastructure far outstrips the rest of East Africa combined.

During a church service on April 19, President Ruto defended Kenya’s high fuel prices by framing the country as a “middle-income economy” with a vastly superior road network that requires more revenue to maintain.

The “20,000 Kilometer” Dispute

President Ruto claimed that Kenya possesses approximately 20,000 kilometers of tarmacked roads—a figure he alleged exceeds the total combined tarmac of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC.

“If you add the number of kilometres in Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan, it is not 20,000 km,” Ruto stated. “The 20,000 kilometres we have in Kenya is more than all the tarmac in all the other 7 countries in East Africa.”

The President used this comparison to justify why fuel in Kenya is more expensive than in neighboring countries, arguing that the scale of infrastructure development puts Kenya in a different league than its “least developed” neighbors.

Tanzania Fires Back with Facts

President Samia Suluhu’s administration was quick to address these claims, labeling them as misleading. On Tuesday, April 21, a Tanzanian minister clarified the actual state of their national infrastructure to correct the record.

The Reality of the Numbers:

  • Ruto’s Claim: Tanzania and five other neighbors combined have less than 20,000 km of tarmac.

  • Tanzania’s Clarification: Tanzania alone has 16,000 kilometers of tarmacked roads—just 4,000 km shy of Kenya’s total.

A Middle-Income Friction

The diplomatic friction stems from Ruto’s insistence that Kenya should only be compared to other middle-income nations rather than its immediate neighbors. However, the Tanzanian response suggests that the gap in infrastructure is much narrower than portrayed, challenging the narrative used to justify the rising cost of living and fuel levies in Kenya.

This back-and-forth marks a rare public disagreement over regional statistics, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding national pride and economic standing within the East African Community (EAC).

Tanzania Responds To Global Outcry Over Post-Election Violence

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The Tanzanian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, issued a press release on Friday, December 5, 2025, addressing numerous statements and public remarks received from international partners regarding the events and violence that followed the country’s October election.

President Samia Suluhu’s administration confirmed that it had received and officially taken note of the statements from a wide array of international actors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and several other European nations. Statements were also received from the European Union Delegation, the UN Human Rights Council, Ghana, and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

In its official response, Tanzania acknowledged the vital role the international community plays in promoting democracy and socio-political development within the country.

Commission of Inquiry to Be Established

In a significant move, the government announced that it would establish a Commission of Inquiry dedicated to thoroughly investigating all reported post-election violence and producing a comprehensive report detailing its findings.

Tanzania reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to constructive international cooperation for the promotion of peace and development. It called upon all concerned stakeholders to respect and allow for the implementation of the steps and measures being taken by the government through established national mechanisms.

Concerns Over Diplomatic Engagement

Despite the commitment to cooperation, Tanzania expressed concern regarding the contents of the international statements. This concern was particularly highlighted given a recent candid engagement held on November 28, 2025, between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the country, suggesting the statements may have overlooked recent diplomatic efforts.

The government’s official response also follows significant international attention generated by a media investigation led by CNN journalist Larry Madowo. That report documented allegations of a security force crackdown and presented evidence suggesting the existence of mass graves following the October 29 polls, intensifying the scrutiny faced by the Tanzanian government.

Suluhu Causes Uproar As She Appoints Daughter Top Government Position

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is facing mounting scrutiny and criticism following a recent series of high-profile appointments that have seen several of her close relatives placed in key government positions. Critics argue the move raises serious questions about nepotism, transparency, and governance standards in the wake of the highly contested 2025 general election.

The appointments, which were announced in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, have drawn fire from opposition figures, civil society groups, and governance watchdogs.

High-Ranking Appointments

Suluhu Hassan appointed her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as Deputy Minister of Education and her son-in-law, Mohammed Mchengerwa, as Minister of Health — a move already stirring intense debate in Dodoma, according to political sources.

While government spokespeople have defended the appointments by emphasizing the individuals’ qualifications and experience, critics counter that the timing and nature of the appointments suggest a pattern of favoring personal loyalty over independent merit.

The Nepotism Debate

The opposition has been quick to frame the moves as a calculated effort to secure key institutional control among trusted allies amidst the political fallout from the recent disputed election.

A leading opposition voice, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The President promised to unify the country, but these appointments demonstrate that her priority is unifying power within her immediate family circle. This erodes trust and undermines the integrity of our public service.”

Governance experts warn that placing family members in powerful oversight and administrative roles can severely hamper accountability efforts, increase the risk of corruption, and ultimately undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

The appointments put President Suluhu’s administration under an intense spotlight as she seeks to navigate both national political unrest and international scrutiny following the controversial election victory.

Suluhu Warns Foreigners Against Invading Tanzania Politics

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The administration of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has raised an alarm over the alleged illegal entry of foreigners into the country, accusing them of plotting to escalate ongoing post-election protests and cause property destruction.

In a statement released on Sunday, November 2, the Tanzanian Police Service alleged that several unnamed foreign nationals have crossed into the country with the intention of joining and exacerbating the demonstrations that have rocked major cities following the recent general elections.

Plotting Protests Under False Pretenses

According to the Police Spokesperson, the foreigners entered Tanzania under the guise of conducting legitimate business, such as operating as bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) riders. The Police claimed these individuals are active in several regions across the country.

Warning to Citizens and Security Measures

The Police issued a stern warning against illegal entry and called on Tanzanian citizens to cooperate with security forces.

  • Reporting Requirement: The police boss urged Tanzanians hosting or living with any unknown foreigner to immediately report them to the nearest local government leaders or police stations (station chiefs, district police chiefs, or regional police commanders).
  • Punishment for Non-Compliance: The spokesperson stressed that failure to report these individuals would result in “strict action” being taken against the host if the foreigners are found at their home or place of business.

The police service confirmed it would continue working jointly with the country’s military to ensure national safety and peace amid the continued unrest.

Global Appeal for Peace

Amidst the heightened tensions and security warnings, Pope Leo XIV made an appeal for calm and dialogue. On Sunday evening, the Holy Father urged the parties involved in the unrest to address their differences amicably and avoid all forms of violence in the East African nation.

Kenya Risks Legal Action From Tanzania Over Online Abuse Of Suluhu

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The escalating online insults and mimicry targeting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu by Kenyans on social media could lead to legal action from Tanzania, cautioned Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi.

Speaking on TV47, Elachi, known for her recent controversial political remarks, stated that the ridicule directed at President Suluhu could form the basis of an international lawsuit. She highlighted frameworks related to gender and electoral integrity as potential grounds for such a case.

“President Samia Suluhu can sue us [Kenya],” Elachi asserted. “When she finalises the October 28 election, she can argue using the gender card and say, ‘when I – a minority woman vying for presidency – was campaigning, Kenyans abused me.'”

Elachi further argued that the nature of the insults and cyberbullying directed at Suluhu could even amount to electoral violence, which is also prohibited under Kenyan law. “Those are electoral violence, and she can also send the necessary documents and say that as Kenyans we abused her, which also in our law we do not allow,” she added.

The MP’s strong remarks come amidst growing criticism from Kenyans on social media aimed at President Suluhu. This criticism follows a series of alleged abductions, human rights violations, and deportations of Kenyan activists in Tanzania.