Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has termed Kenya and Tanzania as both brotherly and business partners moments after meeting her Kenyan counterpart William Ruto.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Suluhu said that the countries shared a lot in terms of defence, security and economy for their citizens.

“Mapema leo katika mazungumzo na Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya, Mheshimiwa William Ruto, pembezoni mwa Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi za Afrika kuhusu Rasilimali Watu (Africa Heads of State Human Capital Summit), Jijini Dar es Salaam (Earlier today in a conversation with the President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto, on the sidelines of the Summit of African Heads of State on Human Resources, in Dar es Salaam),” she captioned a photo with Ruto.

“Tanzania na Kenya ni washirika kindugu na kibiashara, wakishirikiana mpaka wa urefu wa zaidi ya kilometa 750 wenye umuhimu mkubwa katika ulinzi, usalama na uchumi kwa wananchi wa pande zote mbili. (Tanzania and Kenya are fraternal and commercial partners, sharing a border of more than 750 kilometres with great importance in defence, security and economy for the citizens of both sides),” she added.

Ruto snub on Suluhu

The meeting comes a day after Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga claimed that President Ruto snubbed Suluhu when she visited Kenya two weeks ago.

Raila claimed that Suluhu was in the country for two days to lead mediation talks between him (Raila) and the president “but her visit was in vain”.

“There have also been attempts from outside, the President of Tanzania came here two weeks ago at the invitation of President Ruto to mediate. She was kept waiting; Not from our side, we were available, but the other side was not available. She spent two nights here and it was all in vain,” Raila said.

President Ruto however said he was open to holding one-to-one talks with Raila once he returns from Tanzania.

“My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. Am back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience (sic),” Ruto said in a tweet.