Kenyan President William Ruto has ignited a storm of debate across East Africa after casting doubt on Tanzania’s recent presidential election, where President Samia Suluhu was declared the winner with an overwhelming 96% of the vote. Ruto, speaking candidly during an interview with Al Jazeera, questioned whether such a result could truly exist in any genuine democracy.
Asked about the integrity of elections in the region, Ruto said that margins as wide as Tanzania’s raise legitimate concerns. While careful not to directly criticize President Suluhu or her government, he remarked that in any mature democratic system, it’s nearly impossible for one candidate to command near-total support.
“In a democracy like Kenya, that kind of result is unheard of,” he stated. “You can’t get 96 percent in a real contest — maybe in theory, but not in practice.” His words quickly spread across social media, sparking both admiration and outrage. Some lauded him for his boldness and transparency, while others accused him of disrespecting Tanzania’s sovereignty.
Ruto maintained, however, that his remarks were not meant as interference but as an observation about the growth of democracy in Africa. “Each country evolves at its own pace,” he explained. “I can’t pass judgment on Tanzania’s political journey. Democracy matures differently in every society.”
Drawing comparisons, Ruto mentioned Uganda’s 2021 election, where President Yoweri Museveni won with 57% of the vote — a result he described as “within the realm of political reality.” He argued that credible elections depend on visible competition and an active opposition that gives citizens true choice.
“Democracy isn’t simple,” Ruto continued. “It demands tolerance, room for different voices, and the discipline to resolve disagreements without violence.” He went on to describe Kenya as one of Africa’s most politically open nations, emphasizing the country’s commitment to dialogue, reform, and public participation. “Some African nations have made great progress; others are still finding their footing. The key is to keep moving forward.”
Ruto also highlighted that no democracy is perfect, pointing to the 2021 Capitol riot in the United States as a reminder that even the oldest democratic systems face turmoil. “What happened in Washington shocked the world,” he said. “Every nation, regardless of development, must safeguard its democratic values.”
His remarks coincided with a new report from the African Union (AU), which criticized Tanzania’s 2025 General Election for not meeting international electoral standards. The AU Observer Mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, reported incidents of pre-election intimidation, restricted opposition activity, and an internet blackout that hindered transparency.
The mission urged Tanzania’s authorities to undertake meaningful reforms to restore public faith in their elections, warning that democracy cannot thrive in an environment marked by fear and exclusion. According to the AU, the political conditions surrounding the vote were far from conducive to a free and fair process — leaving serious questions about the direction of Tanzania’s democratic journey.
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