This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi addressed Kenyans at the launch of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.
Minister Kabudi, a former University of Dar es Salaam law lecturer, spent more than 10 minutes urging Kenyans to shun tribal politics to achieve development and economic growth in the country.
He acknowledged that Kenya is advanced in development and entrepreneurship, but tribalism and negative ethnicity remain a major setback that needs to be addressed.
“Kenya is a great country no doubt. Kenya is endowed with dynamic people, innovators, people filled with talents and entrepreneurs. How can such great people allow themselves to be dominated by tribalism,” he posed, adding that Kenyans should emulate Tanzanians in fostering peace.
He called upon politicians to stop divisive politics that have for many years derailed unity, saying that Kenyan politicians have for long been vessels of divisive politics rather than being instruments of unity to the citizens.
Minister Kabudi also reminded the county of its important position in East Africa, saying that the implementation of the BBI should be urgent and pragmatic.
“You make East Africa's economy tick. We will not interfere in your internal affairs, but when we feel what you are doing is perilous to the stability of the region, we will say it loudly,” he said while reminding Kenyans the country's importance in the region.
He also expressed Tanzania's full confidence in Kenya's ability to represent Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying that Kenya will strongly advocate the continent’s position in the UN body.
The audience gave a standing ovation to the minister in acknowledgement of his remarks.
