President William Ruto’s address to Tanzania’s Parliament in Dodoma has sparked criticism from Tanzanian blogger Martin Maranja Masese, who has questioned the legitimacy of the House and accused the Kenyan leader of overlooking key governance concerns.
Ruto delivered the address on Tuesday, May 5, becoming the first Kenyan Head of State in more than two decades to speak before the Tanzanian legislature.
In his speech, he called for stronger ties between Kenya and Tanzania, urging the two nations to focus on shared challenges such as poverty and unemployment while deepening economic cooperation.
But Masese, in a strongly worded statement, dismissed the forum Ruto addressed, arguing that it did not reflect the will of the people.
“Mr. President, you have addressed a party caucus, not a Parliament. The blood spilled on October 29, 2025, makes it impossible to view this body as legitimate,” he said.
His remarks appear to reference a disputed political episode that has continued to attract criticism from sections of civil society and opposition figures in Tanzania.
While authorities have maintained that state institutions remain lawful, critics have continued to question political representation and accountability.
Masese further claimed that members of the legislature would not avoid public scrutiny if they genuinely represented voters.
“If these members truly represented the voters, they would not be afraid to face the public in open rallies,” he added.
He also criticised Ruto for failing to address issues of governance and rule of law during the high-profile speech, arguing that the moment called for a stronger message on democratic principles.
“You missed a vital chance to champion the rule of law and remind this gathering that power belongs to the people, not to those who seize it through force,” Masese stated.
Ruto’s address focused largely on economic and regional matters, including trade, infrastructure and investment.
He highlighted growing business ties between the two countries and called for the removal of non-tariff barriers to boost cross-border trade.
Ruto did not go to Tanzania on a political mission and so it is up to the Tanzanians to deal with their political mess.
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