By Ongaga Ongaga
Linda Mwananchi has criticized President William Ruto over his planned visit to Tanzania, where he is expected to address Parliament.
In a statement issued in Nairobi on Monday, the outfit said the move amounts to “a betrayal of the people of Tanzania” and undermines democratic principles cherished in Kenya.
It argued that the visit comes at a time when Tanzania is facing global scrutiny over its electoral process, which it described as deeply flawed and marked by repression.
The group pointed to last year’s elections, saying Tanzanians were subjected to “a farce” instead of a credible vote.
It cited reports of violent crackdowns, arrests, enforced disappearances and the exclusion of opposition actors, including the detention of Tundu Lissu on what it termed “trumped up treason charges.”
According to the statement, multiple international observers flagged ballot stuffing, low voter turnout, and an uneven political playing field, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of the outcome.
However, Ruto defended the visit, saying Kenya and Tanzania enjoy “enduring cordial relations… anchored on shared interests, vibrant trade and commitment to deliver prosperity.”
He noted that the two countries have a “robust bilateral relationship” and are expanding cooperation to strengthen their economies.
During talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, the leaders witnessed the signing of eight agreements covering infrastructure, trade, logistics, public service, security and energy, which he said would “significantly broaden and deepen cooperation” between the two nations.
Linda Mwananchi warned that by addressing the Tanzanian Parliament, Ruto risks “placing Kenya’s stamp of legitimacy on a fraudulent regime.”
It added that the Kenyan presidency is “a symbol of our Nation’s sovereignty” and should not be used in ways that appear to endorse repression.
The outfit also questioned the timing of the visit, noting that Kenyans are grappling with unemployment, the high cost of living, and declining trust in governance.
The statement further stressed that Kenya’s moral standing in the East African region must be anchored in accountability and democratic values.
It cautioned that with the country heading into an election cycle, any perceived alignment with undemocratic regimes could send the wrong signal, insisting that “the wishes of the people here will prevail in 2027.”
At the same time, it expressed solidarity with Tanzanian citizens, distinguishing them from the ruling class and acknowledging their struggles under what it described as a repressive system.
The statement was signed by a broad coalition of leaders within the outfit, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Others are Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Also listed are Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi, and Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo.
The list further includes Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka
Ruto’s Tanzania Visit Sparks Fury as Linda Mwananchi Cries “Betrayal”
May 04, 2026 at 05:27 PM
By Ongaga Ongaga Linda Mwananchi has criticized President William Ruto over his planned visit to Tanzania, where he is expected to address Parliament. In a statement issued in Nairobi on Monday, the outfit said the move amounts to “a betrayal of the people of Tanzania” and undermines democratic principles cherished in Kenya. It argued that […]
Avenews, Grebe Enterprises Partner to Unlock Working Capital for Agri-Traders in Rift Valley
May 04, 2026 at 05:13 PM
By KPC Reporter Avenews, an agri-fintech company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grebe Enterprises Limited to provide embedded financing solutions for agro-dealers across the Great Rift Valley. The partnership is designed to ease working capital constraints that have long hindered Kenya’s agricultural supply chain. Under the new model, stockists ordering inputs from […]
Nandi County Awards Affordable Housing Unit to Marathon Champion Sebastian Sawe
May 04, 2026 at 05:02 PM
By KPC Sports Reporter The County Government of Nandi has honored world marathon champion Sebastian Sawe with a modern three-bedroom housing unit under the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Programme. The award, announced on Monday, recognizes Sawe’s outstanding achievements and contribution to Kenya’s sporting excellence. Governor Stephen Sang said the gesture was both a tribute to […]
Nairobi Middle Class Struggling with Performance Culture
May 04, 2026 at 02:07 PM
By Oliver Waindi via LinkedIn The Nairobi middle class is broke. Not poor—broke. And the difference is entirely self-inflicted. The poor person has no money because the system failed them. The broke middle-class person has money. They earn between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 200,000 a month. They have a job, a title, a LinkedIn profile, […]
SURVEY: Trust in Kenyan Media Recovers Amid Digital Shift
May 04, 2026 at 12:59 PM
By Nyang’au Araka Weekly consumption of media content now shows platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube collectively overtaking television in Kenya. This is according to the Media Council of Kenya’s State of Media 2025 survey, which placed social media at 27% compared to TV’s 25%, marking a definitive crossover: digital growth is no longer […]
Samburu to Host 37th Rhino Charge as Conservation Drive Tops Sh2.7 Billion
May 04, 2026 at 12:43 PM
By KPC Reporter Samburu County will host the 37th edition of the Rhino Charge later this month. The event will bring together motorsport enthusiasts, conservationists, and corporate sponsors in one of Kenya’s most unique fundraising events. Organised by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, the off-road competition is scheduled to run from May 29 to 31, […]
Diaspora Alliance Condemns IEBC Over Voter Registration Exclusion
May 04, 2026 at 12:27 PM
By Ongaga Ongaga Kenya Diaspora Alliance-USA (KDA-USA) has criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for excluding millions of Kenyans abroad from the ongoing enhanced continuous voter registration exercise. In a statement, KDA-USA President Dr. Saisi Marasa said the move is unconstitutional and discriminatory, noting that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees every citizen […]
Whistles, Placards and a Warning as Journalists Mark World Press Day
May 04, 2026 at 12:18 PM
By KPC Reporter The sharp sound of whistles cut through the mid-morning air in Kisii as journalists, clad in beige press jackets, marched through the streets holding bold banners. It was an unmistakable symbol of both identity and defiance. Behind them, an ambulance followed in traffic, its presence an almost accidental metaphor for a profession […]
Storm Over Uhuru Benefits as MPs Move to Punish ‘Partisan’ Retired President
May 04, 2026 at 11:48 AM
By KPC Reporter A political storm is brewing after a controversial motion was tabled in the Senate seeking to strip former President Uhuru Kenyatta of his retirement benefits over alleged involvement in active politics. The motion, sponsored by Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherarkey, invokes provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, arguing that Kenyatta has violated […]
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga Calls for Unity, Voter Mobilization at Mombasa Retreat
May 04, 2026 at 11:28 AM
By Mandere Onyinkwa The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a leaders’ retreat in Mombasa on May 4, 2026, where Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga urged members to remain united and intensify voter registration efforts across the country. In a statement delivered to the National Executive Council, governors, Members of Parliament, trustees, and other party officials, […]