President William Ruto on Friday, October 20, led dignitaries and Kenyans in celebrating the Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Kericho Green Stadium.
However, Angolan President Joao Lourenco who was announced as the Chief Guest at the celebration was conspicuously missing at the stadium.
Instead, Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Tete António represented him in the celebrations, raising questions on what could have changed.
In his speech, Tete Antonio conveyed the President’s apologies, noting that he could not make it to Kericho due to unforeseeable reasons.
“He would have loved to be here but for unforeseen reasons, he could not make it to Kericho, but he sent you a warm greeting,” the Minister stated.
Ruto announced the visit back in September
Reports about Lourenco’s attendance in the 2023 Mashujaa Day celebrations broke back in September when Ruto met him in New York.
After a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA summit, Ruto noted that Lourenco had confirmed his attendance.
“Met President of Angola Joao Lourenco in New York, United States, who has graciously confirmed his attendance for this year’s Mashujaa Day,” Ruto stated.
On Thursday, October 19, Prime Cabinet Secretary, and the CS for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced that President Lourenco was in the country for a two-day state visit.
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In addition, the Prime CS noted that the visiting head of state would grace the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho as the Chief Guest.
When reached out for a comment, Mudavadi’s Office declined to comment on the question of the reason behind Lourenco’s failure to show up in Kericho.
Also Read: Tea Caused Kericho Deaths During Mashujaa Day: Police
“The Presidency is in a better position to comment on this,” a senior official at Mudavadi’s Press Unit told The Kenya Times.
Lourenco’s failure to attend the Mashujaa Day fete and instead sending his Foreign Minister to represent him has since raised speculations amopng Kenyans.
Tragic Mashujaa Day
Prior to the arrival of VIP guests at the venue, a stampede was reported with subsequent reports indicating that four women died after sustaining injuries from the incident.
Thousands had flocked to the stadium’s vicinity with the hope of participating in the celebrations.
However, the venue could not accommodate the entire multitude- a situation that saw many people locked outside.
Hours after the event, Ruto sent condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
“My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the tragedy at the Kericho Green Stadium ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations. We extend our deepest condolences and pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”
