This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
On a tour to Tanzania, President Uhuru Kenyatta has sought to mend relations between the two countries, which were strained by Starehe MP Charles 'Jaguar' Njagua's call for the extradition of Tanzanian traders from Kenya.
Published on July 6, 2019, President Kenyatta's diplomatic charm offensive began with a visit to Chato village, the home town of his host President John Pombe Maghufuli.
During his visit, President Kenyatta urged Tanzanians to ignore Jaguar, whom he derided as a 'villager' who talks without thinking.
“Some politicians talk without thinking and maybe its because they have never left the village to move elsewhere,” said President Kenyatta.
He emphasized that Kenya and Tanzania are brothers and neighbours, and that no one can stop a Tanzanian from doing business in Kenya or a Kenyan from coming to get a wife in Chato.
President Kenyatta also used the opportunity to urge Kenya's Harambee Stars and Tanzania's Taifa Stars to improve their performances at the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It was a good match and I am sure very many of you did not sleep that day. Kenya won (on the night) but Senegal hammered us. Next time both teams should work hard and make it to the final of the tournament. Whichever side wins we will be happy,” he said.
