This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, the launch of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) took an unexpected turn when Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Palamagamba Kabudi decided to educate the delegates present on a few essential Swahili words.
Starting off his speech in flawless Swahili, Mr. Kabudi acknowledged the guests present, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
However, it was when he mentioned the initiative's task force chairman, Yusuf Haji, that the guests burst into laughter.
“Mheshimiwa rais wa Jamuhuri ya Kenya Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Mheshimiwa naibu rais wa Kenya William Samoei Ruto, Mheshimiwa waziri mkuu mstahafu wa Kenya Raila Amollo Odinga, Mheshimiwa Seneta Yusuf Haji mwenye kiti wa kikosi kazi, yaani taskforce cha jitihada ya ujenzi wa madaraja nchini hii,” said Mr. Kabudi.
Mr. Kabudi went on to clarify the use of the words hongera, pongezi, and kongole, explaining that hongera is used to congratulate a woman, kongole is used to congratulate a man, and pongezi is used to congratulate a group of people.
“Rais Magufuli amesema amewapongeza Wakenya kwa kuepusha shari na kuleta shere, Rais Magufuli anawapongeza Wakenya kwa kuondoa uhasama na kuleta tabasamu, na kujenga matumaini mapya kwa watu wenu. Kwa hiyo kwa wanawake wote wa Kenya wape hongera. Kwa sababu hongera anapewa mwanamke, na kwa wanaume wote Wakenya niwape kongole, kwa sababu mwanaume anapewa kongole. Lakini kwa Wakenya wote niwalete pongezi,” said Mr. Kabudi.
