President William Ruto (left) inside the Tanzania parliament and Singida West MP Emmanuel Kingu on Tuesday, May 5 /SCREENGRAB

Applause filled
Tanzania’s Parliament Tuesday after a legislator delivered an
unexpected prayer wishing President William Ruto victory in the 2027 general election.

Singida West
constituency MP Emmanuel Kingu delivered the heartfelt remarks in the National Assembly in Dodoma, following President
Ruto’s powerful speech to lawmakers.

Ruto was in Tanzania
for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties
between the neighbouring countries.

In an emotional
address that drew applause from members, Kingu said Ruto’s speech
had reminded him of the enduring dreams of the founding fathers of
both nations, Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta, which he said
continue to live on through current leaders.

“The words spoken
by President Ruto in this House today have reminded me of two things:
that the dreams of Mwalimu Nyerere and Mzee Kenyatta are still alive
in the hearts of our presidents, Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr William
Ruto,” Kingu said.

He praised Ruto’s
leadership, noting that his address demonstrated the trust Kenyans
placed in him was not misplaced.

“We are convinced
that the love President Ruto has for Kenyans shows they did not make
a mistake in choosing him as their leader,” Kingu said.

Kingu emphasised the
deep historical and cultural ties between Kenya and Tanzania,
describing citizens of both nations as “brothers and sisters”
whose unity transcends borders.

“Parliament of
Tanzania considers Kenyans as our blood relatives. Borders cannot
divide us,” he said.

In a rare moment in
parliamentary proceedings, the MP offered a prayer for Ruto, quoting
the Bible from Psalms 121:7-8 and asking for divine protection over
the Kenyan leader.

He expressed
confidence in Ruto’s leadership and wished him victory in the next
general election.

“As Tanzanians, we
will continue praying for you. May God protect you in all your work
now and forever,” Kingu said, adding, “Go as a hero, Ruto. We
will remember you.”

He also commended Suluhu’s reforms in Tanzania, noting that her
leadership, alongside Ruto’s, reflects a shared vision for progress
in the region.

The remarks capped a
high-profile parliamentary session that underscored growing
cooperation between Nairobi and Dodoma, with leaders from both sides
reiterating their commitment to regional integration and unity.