NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Wednesday issued a public apology to Tanzania during Kenya’s Annual National Prayer Breakfast, aiming to ease diplomatic tensions following the detention of Kenyan activists in the neighboring country.

Speaking at the event held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, President Ruto extended a conciliatory message to Tanzanian leaders and citizens, acknowledging that actions by some Kenyans may have caused offense or strained relations.

“To our neighbors in Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, we ask for your forgiveness,” Ruto said. “If there is any misstep that we have done, we apologize.”

He also directed similar remarks toward Uganda, underlining Kenya’s commitment to fostering peaceful and respectful regional relations.

“If there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologize,” he added.

The President’s statement comes after rising diplomatic tension sparked by the detention of several Kenyan activists in Tanzania, a situation that raised concerns in both countries. His apology is seen as a move to restore harmony and reaffirm Kenya’s dedication to regional cooperation.