Opposition Parties Sneer at Ruto's Apology to Tanzania, Gen Zs: "We're Gravely Disappointed"

• Kenya’s opposition parties have dismissed President William Ruto’s apology as insincere, accusing him of avoiding responsibility
• They slammed Ruto’s failure to defend Martha Karua and Boniface Mwangi following their controversial deportation from Tanzania, calling his silence a betrayal
• The coalition criticised ongoing repression under Ruto’s regime, citing abductions, torture, and targeted prosecutions of Gen Z activists and political critics
• They demanded justice for victims of state violence, reparations, and the immediate withdrawal of laws seen as targeting digital dissent and online freedoms

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Kenyan opposition parties have delivered a scathing response to President William Ruto’s public apology issued during the National Prayer Breakfast, terming it hollow.

While acknowledging the president’s attempt at reconciliation, the parties said the apology lacked accountability and accused Ruto of presiding over a regime increasingly intolerant of dissent.

The statement, signed by six parties, People’s Liberation Party, Jubilee, Wiper, KANU, DAPK and DP, came hours after the president’s remarks.

Why did opposition reject Ruto's apology

Ruto expressed regret over recent political tensions and diplomatic friction, particularly with neighbouring Tanzania.

The opposition, however, was quick to frame the apology as mere “political theatre,” pointing to what they described as systemic abuse of human rights, increasing state repression, and failure to defend Kenyan citizens abroad.

According to the parties, Ruto’s comments fell far short of the leadership required during a time of crisis and growing regional concern over human rights abuses.

"While this shift in tone is welcomed, we must remind the president that apologies, however well-intentioned, must be accompanied by tangible action if they are to carry any meaning for the Kenyan people. If the President is indeed remorseful, we call upon him to demonstrate his commitment," read part of the joint statement seen by TUKO.co.ke.

Central to their dissatisfaction is the handling of PLP leader Martha Karua and activist Boniface Mwangi, both of whom were detained and deported under controversial circumstances while visiting Tanzania.

The opposition bloc argued that the president’s silence on these events amounts to complicity and a betrayal of the constitutional duty to protect all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

"There is nowhere in the world where a head of state fails to defend their citizens when attacked or humiliated by foreign regimes. Ruto’s omission, his failure to acknowledge, let alone condemn, the gross violations committed against Martha Karua and Boniface Mwangi, is an indictment of his nature and penchant for clawing back on human rights gains," the parties stated. “

Beyond the diplomatic incidents, the opposition pointed to a wider pattern of repression under Ruto’s administration.

They cited abductions, torture, and what they described as politically motivated prosecutions designed to weaken the opposition and silence voices, particularly among Gen Z activists who have taken to social media to demand reforms.

What are opposition parties' demand to Ruto

The parties demanded justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, alongside full reparations for affected families.

They also called for an immediate withdrawal of legislative proposals aimed at curbing digital freedoms, particularly those targeting online dissent.

"Proposals that seek to muzzle social media, which remains a vital tool for civic engagement and accountability," they said.

As chair of the East African Community (EAC), Ruto was also reminded of his duty to uphold the regional body’s democratic ideals.

The parties urged him to lead by example and press his counterparts, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, to cease the ongoing crackdown on opposition leaders.

How did Tanzania respond to Ruto's apology

Following Ruto's apology, Tanzanian MPs accepted the apology, with Mwera MP Zahor Mohamed Haji commending Ruto's gesture.

The lawmaker further highlighted the need for continued cooperation between the two nations.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke