Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu skipped Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto’s inauguration ceremony due to security concerns, Israeli media reports.
“Rather, after landing in the morning and being received in an official ceremony, Netanyahu is scheduled to take part in an event at the Presidential palace, where he will have a joint meeting with some 10 African leaders,”the Jerusalem Post reports.
Netanyahu was meant to hold meetings with African leaders to ‘establish connections with nations with which we do not have diplomatic relations.’
The Prime Minister was expected to attend a meeting with Presidents John Magufuli (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Paul Kagame (Rwanda).
But also absent is Tanzania’s John Pombe Maghufuli who is being represented by his Deputy Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Former Tanzania President, Jakaya Kikwete is also not in attendance due to ‘a prior commitment.’
He said on Twitter: ‘I congratulate you, [Uhuru Kenyatta] on being re-elected 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.”
According to State House spokesperson, Manoah Esipisu, 70 heads of state were meant to grace the occasion but only a handful showed up.
The political stalemate in the country between the ruling party and the opposition led by Raila Odinga is said to be the cause of ‘invitation decline’ by dignitaries.
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Odinga has maintained that his party will not recognize Kenyatta’s legitimacy in office, saying that his election was ‘shambolic.’
The opposition is today (Tuesday) expected to hold a parallel rally to Uhuru’s inauguration at Jacaranda grounds.
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