President William Ruto has declined to take a firm position on Tanzania’s disputed election, stressing that he will not interfere in the country’s political affairs even as unrest continues to escalate.
Speaking to Al Jazeera in Qatar during the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development, he said he would avoid commenting extensively on the re election of President Samia Suluhu, although he hinted that such a sweeping victory would be unlikely in a competitive democratic environment.
He noted that Samia’s win, announced on November 1 by the Independent National Electoral Commission, showed her receiving 97.66 percent of the vote, a figure he implied would be unrealistic in Kenya’s more contested political system.
Ruto argued that while every country has its own way of running elections, democracy remains the most effective form of governance. He emphasized that it requires openness, tolerance for differing opinions, and a commitment to peaceful political engagement.
Ruto encouraged African leaders to embrace systems that allow for fair representation and genuine competition. He warned against turning to violence during political disagreements, saying societies must always leave room for citizens to express alternative views without fear.
The controversy surrounding the election has extended beyond Tanzania’s borders. Former Botswana president Ian Khama publicly rejected Samia’s legitimacy during an event in Kenya, claiming the polls were manipulated. His remarks added to the already heated debate around the election’s credibility.
On the ground in Tanzania, tensions remain high. Opposition party CHADEMA and many young people insist the October 29 vote was flawed.
Human rights groups estimate that more than one thousand people may have been killed in clashes with security forces, although the government disputes those numbers. Reuters has reported that at least 145 individuals have been charged with treason, with others still missing.
Arrests of opposition leaders continue, including CHADEMA’s Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa.
Court proceedings have also begun for some of those detained. Jennifer Jovin Bilikija, a social media influencer, was among those arraigned, facing charges of conspiracy and treason.
Families across the country are searching for relatives who vanished amid the turmoil.
The violence has affected foreign nationals as well. A Kenyan teacher, John Okoth Ogutu, was shot and killed during the protests. Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said efforts are underway to work with Tanzanian authorities to investigate the incident.
He assured the family that the case will be addressed respectfully. Religious groups in Kenya have called for diplomatic action to protect Kenyans living in Tanzania as the situation remains volatile.
