Magufuli bails on Uhuru event, Netanyahu yet to arrive
Tanzania’s President John Pombe Magufuli has skipped the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta which is underway at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
President Magufuli, instead sent his Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
No explanation was available from the president’s office.
He had confirmed attendance last week.
The Tanzanian head of state is a close ally Nasa leader Raila Odinga who has said he does not recognize Mr Kenyatta as legitimate president.
By press time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had yet to arrive at the stadium.
Mr Netanyahu had also conmfimfred his attendance.
In a Jewish post on his Twitter, the Israeli leader mentioned Kenya and president Uhuru Kenyatta.
אני יוצא לסדרת פגישות מדיניות באפריקה וחוזר הלילה לישראל. עדכון קצר ממני אליכם: pic.twitter.com/HH5dL0NOHM
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) November 28, 2017
Haaretz.com reported that the PM safety was a major concern.
President Kenyatta attended Mr Magufuli’s inauguration in November 2015.
His predecessor Jakaya Kikwete also did not attend.
I congratulate you President @UKenyatta for being reelected 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.
— Jakaya Kikwete (@jmkikwete) November 28, 2017