This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
Kenyatta's Charm Offensive to Bring Tanzania Closer ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta's unofficial visit to Tanzania in July 2019 marked a significant shift in relations between the two countries, with both leaders downplaying trade tensions and emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation.
According to sources, President Kenyatta had planned to visit his Tanzanian counterpart, John Magufuli, for a few hours on Friday, but decided to spend the night after an awe-inspiring reception in northern Tanzania.
During his visit, President Kenyatta and President Magufuli engaged in a series of lighthearted and humorous exchanges, with President Kenyatta joking that his son might get lucky and find a wife in Chato, President Magufuli's hometown.
President Magufuli, in turn, promised that if President Kenyatta's son did get married in Chato, residents would welcome him with 'both hands.'
Despite the lighthearted tone, the visit was seen as an attempt by President Kenyatta to break the ice and improve relations between the two countries, which have been strained in recent years due to trade wars and other issues.
President Kenyatta had earlier spoken out against the controversy started by Starehe MP Charles Njagua, who had called for the eviction of Tanzanians and traders of other nationalities from Kenyan markets.
President Kenyatta's visit was also seen as a precursor to a potential State visit to Tanzania, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and economic development.
At one point in his speech, President Magufuli stressed the importance of having a strong East African bloc, which would give the region a strong bargaining power like it does with China and India.
He also made a comment on cross-border trade, saying that Tanzanians could invest in Kenya and get rich, and that there was a big market for Tanzanian cows in Kenya.
However, business was clearly not the agenda of the day, as the presidents were more intent on showing their human ties. A video has emerged of President Kenyatta visiting the ailing mother of President Magufuli and praying for her.
President Magufuli later said that his mother had liked President Kenyatta, and gave him four peacocks as a gift, something he said he had never done to any president.
