Angola President Joao Lourenco snubs Mashujaa Day fete, Kenyans react
Kenyans on social have responded to the absence of Angola President João Lourenço at the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations.
President Lourenço was initially expected to attend the fete as the guest of honor, having been invited by President William Ruto but did not show up despite being in the country and gracing the event part of his itinerary.
The glaring absence of him has left Kenyans questioning what could have possibly gone wrong. They said;
“The official state visit of Angola’s President begins tomorrow. Learn about the protocols used by the state,” said John Chege.
“Why the Angola President said No!” Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai wrote noting that it was a result of the death of four people who were killed in the stampede at Kericho Green stadium.
“Is this some sort of a joke or what?” Dawkins Abila asked.
“Then why did he come? This is how African leaders waste their countries’ resources,” wrote Abala Kinyua.
“What is he doing?” asked Aspel.
“Absent with apologies…Mashujaa day tears in my eyes,” said Nicholas Nyaori.
“One year into presidency!! These are serious diplomatic blunders that can isolate Kenya,” wrote Reuben Kiringu.
“Our neighbours are shying away from us, we are on our own, and it seems like we are an embarrassment to the African continent,” said Otenyo Alex.
However, the Angolan Foreign Minister Tete António while explaining the President’s absence said that he (President Lourenço) could not make it to the event due to unforeseeable reasons.
“On behalf of the President, I would first like to convey his apologies. He would have loved to be here but for unforeseen reasons, he could not make it to Kericho but he sent you a warm greeting.”
Before reading his speech, President Ruto said, “Our guest my friend Tete Antonio minister for Foreign Affairs is representing my brother the President of Angola who is in Kenya as we talk and he will be having a state visit tomorrow.”
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