Hussein Mohamed Says Samia Suhulu's Visit Wasn't Planned: "She Must Have Been Here For Holiday"

• State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the visit by President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania might have been private
• Speaking in Mombasa, Mohamed suggested that lack of clear protocol might have contributed to President William Ruto not meeting Suluhu
• Earlier, ODM leader Raila Odinga claimed that Suluhu was in the country to mediate between him and Ruto, but the latter snubbed her

Mombasa - The government has dismissed claims that President William Ruto refused to meet with his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu over mediation talks with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, July 26, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the visit by Suluhu might have been a private affair.

Raila claimed Ruto snubbed Samia Suluhu

According to Mohamed, Ruto did not meet the Tanzanian president because the protocol was not followed.

"President Suluhu must have been here for a holiday and Kenya is open to anyone to visit. Information going around that President Ruto did not meet her is because it was not a State visit since there was no protocol followed," Mohamed said.

While addressing the international press on Tuesday, July 25, the former prime minister claimed that Suluhu was in the country, but Ruto refused to meet her.

Raila claimed Suluhu was in Kenya for two days to reconcile him with Ruto, but the government kept her waiting.

"Many eminent people, both local and international, have tried to mediate between Azimio and Ruto’s side, but they have been kept at bay by Kenya Kwanza. Two weeks ago, Mama Samia Suluhu came to Nairobi to try and mediate, but she was kept waiting for two days and went back," Raila said.

Otiende Amollo speaks on Suluhu's visit

Meanwhile, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo disclosed that some Azimio leaders were opposed to Raila-Ruto's reconciliation, which was to be facilitated by the Tanzanian head of state.

On Wednesday, July 26, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo revealed that he was part of the Azimio leaders who met Suluhu during her visit to the country at the invite of Ruto.

"I will tell you authoritatively that indeed the president of Tanzania was here because even as our leader was going to meet her I was with him.

Even from our side, there were those who felt that such meetings should not happen. But being a person who would rather listen to dialogue if it is meaningful, he chose to go. And I know that he was snubbed," Amollo said while speaking to Spice FM.