President Ruto Claims Oil Refinery Project in Tanga During Tanzania Visit - May 2026

President William Ruto addressed the Tanzania Parliament in Dodoma, highlighting a significant oil refinery project set for Tanga region. During the same State visit, President Samia Suluhu Hassan publicly distanced herself from Ruto's assertions about the oil refinery, which she reportedly questioned as nonexistent. This diplomatic embarrassment unfolded as Ruto presented information about an oil refinery that Tanzanian officials indicated was imaginary. At the same time, the two presidents were collaborating to boost trade and investment within the East African region. However, Suluhu's crackdown call on Gen Z activists and rights defenders has placed Kenyan President Ruto under scrutiny due to his silence on the matter.