'Forgive us,' Ruto apologises to Tanzanians and Ugandans

In an unexpected move, President William Ruto on Wednesday issued a public apology to Kenya’s youth and neighboring countries, Tanzania and Uganda.

Speaking at the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast, Ruto apologised to Gen Z, as well as to the governments and citizens of Tanzania and Uganda, calling for unity and a renewed commitment to building bridges.

“Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there is anything Kenyans have done, we apologise. To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise. To our neighbours, if there is any misstep we have made, we want to build our relations that will make our country great, we apologise,” said Ruto.

President Ruto : To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there's anything Kenyans have done that is not right, we apologize. To our children, if there's any misstep, we apologize. To our neighbours as well, we… pic.twitter.com/Cpq7CFo7UD — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) May 28, 2025

His remarks follow several calls by guest speakers on Wednesday to foster reconciliation and bridge divides both within the country and across the region.

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  'Forgive us,' Ruto apologises to Tanzanians and Ugandans

For close to two weeks, Kenyans have been locked in online confrontations with Tanzanians and Ugandans, accusing the two neighbouring countries of injustices, following the deportation of Kenyan activists. 

On Monday, Tanzanian Members of Parliament called for the arrest of Kenyan Gen Zs, warning that if Kenyans overstep into their affairs, they will be “dealt with accordingly.”

Despite the rising tensions, Ruto made a plea for peace, quoting Psalms 133:1 to 3, which speaks of unity as a path to divine blessings.

The Head of State also extended an olive branch to Kenyans, urging them to shift their energy from blame to bridge-building.

His remarks come on the back of growing criticism for his administration, often accused of being out of touch with the realities facing Kenyans.

This year’s theme was “Rise and Rebuild.”