Kindiki affirms Tanzania as key partner after Suluhu’s swearing-in

“Kenya wishes Tanzania long-term peaceful stability and prosperity.”

by Allan Kisia

News03 November 2025 - 20:40

In Summary

Kindiki represented President William Ruto at the swearing-in ceremony of President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday.
During the ceremony, Suluhu, 65, was sworn in before Chief Justice Ibrahim Hamis Juma, pledging to uphold the Constitution and safeguard Tanzania’s unity.

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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with Tanzania.

Kindiki described the neighbouring country as a “key friendly nation and strategic trade partner.”

In a statement issued after representing President William Ruto at the swearing-in ceremony of President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday, Kindiki emphasised that Kenya’s prosperity is closely tied to the peace and stability of its neighbours within the East African Community (EAC) and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

“Kenya’s future is inextricably linked to a stable, peaceful and prosperous region within the context of the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Kindiki said.

“Kenya wishes Tanzania long-term peaceful stability and prosperity.”

Kindiki attended the colourful ceremony at State House, Dodoma, where Suluhu officially took the oath of office for her second term as President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The event was attended by several African leaders, including Presidents Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique) and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), alongside high-level delegations from dozens of other nations.

During the ceremony, Suluhu, 65, was sworn in before Chief Justice Ibrahim Hamis Juma, pledging to uphold the Constitution and safeguard Tanzania’s unity.

“I solemnly pledge to protect and defend the Constitution and the unity of the United Republic of Tanzania,” she declared during her oath.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Suluhu received a 21-gun salute, the highest form of military and state honour in Tanzania. The gesture — involving 21 ceremonial cannon rounds fired in succession—is traditionally reserved for the Head of State, visiting foreign leaders, and distinguished dignitaries.

It symbolises the nation’s respect, pride, and acknowledgment of the President’s supreme authority over the military.

The state ceremony marked the formal beginning of Suluhu’s second term in office, following her re-election in the October 29 general election, in which the National Electoral Commission declared her the winner with 97 per cent of the vote.

However, the event took place under tense circumstances, amid ongoing unrest and violent protests in major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, where opposition supporters clashed with security forces.

Opposition parties, led by the CHADEMA movement under detained leader Tundu Lissu, have rejected the outcome, calling the vote a “sham” and demanding fresh elections under international supervision.

“The election was neither free nor fair,” CHADEMA said in a statement. “What happened was an exercise in authoritarian consolidation, not democracy.”

The Tanzanian government has dismissed those allegations, defending the poll as credible and transparent.

Electoral officials insist that Suluhu’s victory reflects the will of the people, noting that voter turnout exceeded 80 per cent nationwide.

Kenya and Tanzania — two of East Africa’s largest economies — share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown steadily in recent years, with Kenya exporting manufactured goods, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, while importing grains, minerals, and textiles from Tanzania.