President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives in Chato on a private visit
Friday July 05 2019
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) is welcomed by his Tanzanian counterpart John Pombe Magufuli at Chato Airport on July 4, 2019. PHOTO | PSCU
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Tanzania for two-day private visit on a special invitation by his counterpart John Pombe Magufuli.
President Kenyatta’s aircraft touched down at Chato Airport at 1445hrs (1145 GMT), in northwestern region of Geita.
Upon his arrival, he inspected a special guard of honour mounted by the army before the national anthems of the two countries were played.
The Kenyan head of state was earlier on expected to arrive at 1100hrs (0800 GMT).
Speaking shortly afterwards President Kenyatta said he was overwhelmed with the welcome that he received from the people in Chato and Tanzania in general.
“I am very happy to be amongst you, I am the first foreign president to come to Chato, I come here most importantly as a brother and a friend,” said President Kenyatta.
“You can choose your friends but not your neighbours,” he added.
The Kenyan presidency was yet to issue a statement informal visit or details of Kenyatta’s itinerary for the weekend.