Tanzania President John Magufuli to Attend President Uhuru’s Swearing-in

Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli is the latest head of state to confirm his attendance at President Uhuru swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday confirmed he would be gracing the inauguration of President Uhuru as he takes Oath of Office for his second term.

“The government is informing the public that President Dr John Pombe Magufuli would be joining other heads of state for the swearing-in ceremony,” a letter by Tanzania government spokesman Hassan Abbasi read.

“President Magufuli will be attending the inauguration of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta as the president of the Republic of Kenya for his second term,” the letter added.

His attendance at President Uhuru’s inauguration comes amid diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania in the past few months. Last month, Tanzania authorities burnt 6,400 one-day-old chicks from Kenya to death, days after a Tanzanian court ordered the auctioning of over 1,300 cattle belonging to Maasais from Kenya.

Days later, the Tanzanian President was quoted warning Kenya that his country was not a grazing field for foreigners. Maasais from Kenya and Tanzania have been crossing the border freely in search of pasture for their livestock.

“Tanzania is not a feeding farm for animals from other countries and that is why we have stated that we are going to take action as per the law,” President Magufuli stated.

His attendance could also be seen as a ‘betrayal’ to opposition leader Raila Odinga who has vowed not to recognize the reelection of President Uhuru. Raila has in the past described Magufuli as a “childhood friend” and the two are believed to be close friends.