Linda Mwananchi questions Ruto’s state visit to, Samia Suluhu, says it will cost Kenya

The Linda Mwananchi group has raised concerns about William Ruto’s planned state visit to Tanzania, saying the trip may not benefit Kenyans.

Speaking during a rally in Nakuru, the group questioned why the President is visiting Tanzania at a time when the country is facing criticism over its democratic processes.

According to the group, Tanzania has been under scrutiny following reports of human rights abuses during its 2025 general elections. They warned that the visit could send the wrong message, especially if President Ruto addresses the Tanzanian Parliament.

In a statement, the group said such a move may be seen as Kenya supporting a government whose election process has been questioned.

They argued that giving a speech in Tanzania’s Parliament could be interpreted as Kenya’s approval of a leadership that may not fully respect democratic values.

The group also claimed that some Tanzanian leaders have previously mocked Kenyan activists who were allegedly mistreated while in Tanzania, making the timing of the visit even more sensitive.

They added that reports from the 2025 elections indicated that opposition leaders were arrested, and fairness in the elections was not achieved.

Linda Mwananchi is now calling on the government to explain the main purpose of the visit clearly. The group insists that Kenyans deserve to know what benefits the country will gain from the trip.

They further said that the government should focus more on key issues affecting citizens, such as unemployment, the high cost of living, and declining trust in leadership.

According to the group, Kenya should protect its reputation as a country that supports democracy within the East African region.

President Ruto is expected to address Tanzania’s Parliament during the visit.

During the 2025 elections in Tanzania, Samia Suluhu was re-elected amid protests and reports of violence. There were also claims of internet shutdowns and enforced disappearances.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, raised concern over the situation and called for investigations into the reported incidents.

Linda Mwananchi maintains that Kenya’s leadership decisions should always put the interests of its citizens first, while also upholding accountability within the East African Community.