President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday morning tweeted himself into trouble after he sent out a congratulatory message to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“I convey my warm congratulations to my brother following your election as the President of Zimbabwe. The mandate bestowed on you by the citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe is a clear affirmation of their high regard and confidence in your able leadership,” President Kenyatta tweeted.
Mnangagwa was last week declared the winner in a disputed presidential election that was marred with numerous allegations of rigging and voter intimidation.
Kenyatta’s message did not augur well with Twitter users, both from Kenya and Zimbabwe, who regarded the congratulatory message as premature.
Zimbabwean Opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa has indicated that he will be moving to court to challenge the results declared by the country’s electoral agency.
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ED Joseph, a twitter user, shared a video of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) soldiers shooting civilian protesters and satirically captioned it, “for sure your brother has able leadership”.
“I doubt that the people want to associate themselves with the crocodile, the message is from 1tyrant to another,” Ashkum Simatusi said in reply to President Kenyatta.
A Zimbabwean activist based in South Africa, Gilbert Navonika, dismissed the congratulatory message saying the Kenyan President should have waited for the court to have the final say.
“I’m not sure if he has been following events in Zim or just tweeting after a pint or two, what ‘clear affirmation’ what is this Uhuru on about? With all due respect Mr Kenyatta take a walk,” Navonika stated.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, was among those who replied to the President’s message with disapproval.
“One day in africa. We will have free and fair…” Ole Kina replied.
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