Confusion has arisen between citizens of Tanzania and Kenya after a delegation sent by President Uhuru to Benjamin Mkapa’s funeral was forced to make a u-turn to Nairobi before landing to Tanzania.
Reports say that the plane was turned back shortly after entering the airspace of Tanzania in Arusha region.
The reason why the plane was forced to make mid-air turn back to Nairobi is still not clear.
It is reported that the plane was carrying a number of Kenyan dignitaries who were led by Senate Majority Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio.
Tanzania Minister of Foreign Affairs Palamagamba Kabudi told mourners at the late former President’s funeral that the plane was turned back in Monduli in Arusha region after it had encountered bad weather.
On the other side, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs PS Macharia Kamau gave a contradicting report about the plane. According to Macharia, the plane came back to Nairobi after developing mechanical challenges.
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Mkapa’s funeral service was held at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Benjamin Mkapa died 24th July after a short illness. According to his family, the former head of state died of malaria. He will be buried on Wednesday at his home in Lupaso village of Masasi district in the Mtwara region.
The Tanzanian government announced this on Friday, saying the public will pay their last respects for three days – from Sunday to Tuesday – at Uhuru Stadium in Temeke district.
