Alfred Mutua Meets Uganda's Ambassador After Muhoozi's Remarks

UPDATE 12.41 pm: President William Ruto's cabinet secretary nominee for Foreign Affairs, Alfred Mutua met with Uganda's ambassador to Kenya Hassan Wasswa Galiwango over a cup of tea.

Mutua on Tuesday, October 4 however did not divulge any more details of the meeting, coming a few hours after Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni retracted remarks he made about Kenya, which drew uproar across the East African region.

"This morning I shared a social cup of tea with Amb. Dr Hassan Galiwango - Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya. We discussed interesting matters. Mambo iko Sawa (everything is fine)," Mutua shared.

Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni. /FILE

Muhoozi on his part claimed that he had discussions with his father over the frightening nature of his tweets.

"Had a good discussion with my father this morning. Apparently, my tweets scared Kenyans too much. He will announce the changes. There is a special prayer I shall make for our army." 

Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, has changed his tune over a series of tweets targeting Kenyans after it drew sharp criticism across East Africa.

In statements on Monday, October 3, Muhoozi forgave Kenyans On Twitter (KOT) who responded to his reckless remarks with spirited attacks, including a section of politicians.

As a consequence, he changed his tune by stating that Kenyans were like his brothers and called for unity between Kenya and Uganda. This is after his comments smelt of an embarrassing diplomatic showdown between the two countries.

"KOT, I forgive you all for the insults you have hurled against me. Please let's work together to make East Africa great!

"I would never beat up the Kenyan army because my father told me never to attempt it! So our people in Kenya should relax!" his tweets read.

Museveni's administration is yet to address the matter as pressure began mounting on President William Ruto to take action over the matter by summoning Uganda's ambassador to Kenya, Hassan Wasswa Galiwango, over the remarks many argued were uncalled for.

Ruto's close ally and Nandi senator, Samson Cherargei had led the calls for the Head of State to take action, opining that Muhoozi's sentiments threatened to disintegrate diplomatic relations between the two countries which have peacefully co-existed over the years.

"I expect by morning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Ugandan ambassador to shed light on Gen. Muhoozi's social media outbursts and subsequent apology.

"This is undermining the spirit of unity of East African Community (EAC)," Cherargei tweeted.

Kenyans were joined by Ugandan politicians who called out the commander of Land Forces - part of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), with the opposition leader, Bobi Wine, demanding that he apologises.

"Dear Kenyans, you now understand what it means to live in Uganda under Museveni and his son, whom he gifted the highest military ranks and put in charge of our land forces," Bobi Wine lamented. 

"History repeats itself? Uganda’s generals seeking to control Kenyan territory 46 years after Idi Amin, it’s now Gen Muhoozi! That’s why Kenyans can’t take it lightly!" former opposition leader and presidential candidate, Kizza Besigye added. 

Residents across East Africa also joined in compelling President Ruto to take action, despite being in a dilemma owing to his fruitful relationship with Museveni. The Ugandan president was among the 40 heads of state who attended Ruto's inauguration at Kasarani on Tuesday, September 13.

On Monday, October 3, Muhoozi insinuated that former President Uhuru Kenyatta should have had a third term in office and would have whitewashed Ruto in the polls as well as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

He then tore into Kenya's democracy and military capability by daringly stating that his army would capture the city of Nairobi in two weeks.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba. /TWITTER.MUHOOZI