Ruto's Chief Guest Skips Mashujaa Day Celebrations Despite Being In Kenya
Ambassador Tete was acting on behalf of the Angolan President and had addressed Kenyans on his behalf.
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President João Lourenço of Angola has skipped the 60th Mashujaa Day Celebrations in which he was expected to be the chief guest following an invitation by President William Ruto.
Speaking at the Kericho Green Stadium on Friday, October 20, Angolan Foreign Minister Tete António explained that the President could not make it to the national celebrations event for unforeseeable reasons.
Ambassador Tete was acting on behalf of the Angolan President and had addressed Kenyans on his behalf.
Angolan President João Lourenço together with his wife Ana Dias Lourenço at JKIA on October 19, 2023. /MUSALIA MUDAVADI
“On behalf of President Joao Lourenco, I would first like to convey his apologies he would have loved to be here but for unforeseen reasons, he couldn’t make it to Kericho.
"He sent you a very warm greeting thanking again for the warm reception we always have been granted whenever we come to Kenya,” said the Angolan Minister.
However, the exact reasons that prevented Lourenço from attending the event were not immediately clear.
Tete nonetheless underscored the importance of the national event, stating that Kenya played a key role in Angola gaining independence as it benefited from the Mau Mau revolution.
“It is very emotional for the Angolan people to be here, especially on such a day, Heroes Day because we also have the same heroes who are not only Kenyan heroes but also African heroes and Angolan heroes.
"Many will remember how the struggle for independence of Angola benefited from the revolution of Maumau and others in Kenya,” he added.
Lourenço arrived in the country on Thursday evening, October 19 alongside his wife, Ana Dias Lourenço.
They were received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
On his part, Ruto also confirmed that the visiting President was in the country and would commence his official visit and discussion with the government on Saturday, October 21.
"He will be having his state visit tomorrow," the President announced.
Mudavadi, who doubles up as the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, indicated that Lourenço was to end his visit on October 20 following bilateral discussions with Ruto.
It is yet to be established if the Angolan Head of State would extend his visit by another day. This is the first time in recent history that a state chief guest has missed attending a function, despite being in the country earlier.
