Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta held closed-door talks with the president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu, on Wednesday, February 21.
In a statement, the Office of the 4th President of Kenya confirmed that Uhuru met Suluhu after attending an international forum held in Dar es Salam.
“Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Samia Suluhu, President of the United Republic of Tanzania at State House, Zanzibar. The former President had earlier attended the 1st International Colloquium on Promoting Cross-Cultural, Linguistics and Economic Diplomacy for Sustainable Futures in Dar es Salam,” read the statement.
The visit came at a time when there is an ongoing debate about the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga already announced his bid for the position and received endorsement from the Azimio Coalition and the United Democratic Alliance.
Speaking on February 15, Raila said he was ready to take over from Moussa Faki of Chad who has held the position for eight years.
“I am ready to go for the chairmanship of the African Union,” said Raila.
Reports indicated that President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi are lobbying to have Raila elected for the position.
Why Raila not Uhuru?
However, speaking on February 17, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa questioned the government’s decision to support Raila’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position over Uhuru.
Karungo, argued that the former president comes from the same region as Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua hence the need to show him support instead of the opposition leader.
Also Read: Salary, Benefits and Powers Raila Stands to Enjoy as AU Boss
“I have heard that the country is supporting Raila Odinga and then I asked myself you want us to choose this person (Raila) when our Uhuru is here?” he posed.
This followed an initial report by The Standard that Tanzania, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were fronting Uhuru for the AUC Chairperson position.
Also Read: Raila’s Qualification for AU Job Questioned as Profile Document Emerges
Kikwete’s Question
However, there have also been rumors that former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete is eyeing position.
In an X post on February 20, Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai said he had information that Kikwete wants to be elected the next AUC Chairperson.
Alai, who is a close ally of Raila, claimed that Uhuru and Suluhu are pushing Kikwete to apply for the Chairmanship.
“I am told by wo people very close to President Kikwete that the former Tanzanian President is about to apply for the AU Chairmanship. They told me that it’s President Uhuru and Samia Suluhu who prodded him to apply for the position. I don’t know why Uhuru pretends to love Raila while he has his silent schemes,” read Alai’s statement.
However, Uhuru, Suluhu and Kikwete have not officially commented about the AUC Chairperson position.
