Netanyahu & Magufuli disappoint Uhuru at last minute

mary kulundu

November 28, 2017 12:39 PM

Totally unexpected!

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli on Tuesday did not attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta held at the Kasarani Stadium.

Netanyahu who is believed to have landed in the country on Tuesday morning was nowhere to be seen at the event attended by dozens of Heads of State and envoys.

Before flying to Kenya, Netanyahu told the world that he was making the trip in order to deepen Israel’s ties with Africa.

"The purpose is to deepen Israel’s ties with Africa by establishing connections with nations which do not have diplomatic relations,” he said.

Netanyahu added: “Four Israeli diplomatic offices have been opened in Africa in the past two years, and I hope that by the end of today I will be able to announce the opening of yet another Israeli embassy in an African nation And this is just the beginning".

At the same time, Magufuli sent his deputy Mohamed Gharib Bilal to Kenyatta’s inauguration.

Also, Tanzania former President Jakaya Kikwete did not attend the inauguration stating that he had prior engagements.

"I congratulate you, [Uhuru Kenyatta] on being re-elected as President of Kenya. I thank you for the invitation to attend your inauguration. I regret I will not be able to make it due to a prior commitment. I wish you all the best and success in your second term," Mr. Kikwete said.

mary kulundu