President William Ruto has come out to end speculations surrounding the absence of East African presidents during the country’s 60th Jamhuri celebrations.
In a televised interview with local media houses on Sunday evening, the president said that the heads of states were not invited.
He however noted that their absence does not mean that they have issues with him or the country.
“Do they normally attend our Jamhuri? No. I mean, how do you ask about absence of somebody who is normally is not invited. We didn’t invite them. Some of the people came because we are East African. Do I attend other countries National Holidays? Â I don’t. That does not mean there is a problem,” he said
“The relations between me and Museveni are perfect; the relationship between Kenya and Tanzania is perfect,” he maintained.
East African leaders that were expected to grace the December 12 occasion include president Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, Paul Kagame(Rwanda) and Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
The leaders however did not show up, sparking rumors that Kenya’s diplomatic relationship with the countries was at stake.
However, during the interaction with Journalists, Ruto also said that Kenyans can visit any of the East African countries freely, without Visas.
“Forget, about my announcement(on Kenya being a visa-free country), today you don’t need a visa to go to Tanzania or any country in East Africa. What we did is formalize what was already there before; putting it in place,” Ruto said, adding that the move of making Kenya a visa free country doesn’t affect her relationship with the neighboring countries.
