President Ruto Congratulates Samia Suluhu for Election Win

President William Ruto has extended his congratulations to Samia Suluhu following her victory in Tanzania’s recently concluded elections, which were marked by chaos.

In a statement on Monday, President Ruto noted that Kenya and Tanzania share a joint vision of enjoying "peaceful, prosperous and integrated East Africa" owing to their membership in the East African Community.

President Ruto further urged Tanzanians to uphold peace amid political unrest following the heavily disputed elections held on October 29.

Tanzania's elections turned chaotic, as it was marked by demonstrations with opposition supporters taking to the streets over what they termed a 'one-sided election' and calling for election reforms following the detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, forcing his party, CHADEMA, to boycott the votes.

Police lobbed tear gas to disperse the protesters and tightened security in key cities such as Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania's main opposition party said on Friday that hundreds of people had been killed in the protests, while the U.N. human rights office said credible reports indicated at least 10 people were killed in three cities.

The government dismissed the opposition's death toll as "hugely exaggerated" and has rejected criticisms of its human rights record.