The Kenyan government has responded to Tanzania's President John Magufuli after he burnt 6400 chicks imported from Kenya.
Foreign Affairs Political and Diplomatic Secretary Tom Amollo on Monday criticised the move terming it as 'a policy shift that condones hostile actions against Kenyan citizens and their business interests'.
He added that the relationship between Kenya and Tanzania could be jeopardised if such drastic measures continue to be taken.
[caption caption="Boxes Containing the Chicks"]
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The Tanzanian High Commissioner Pindi Chana was summoned by Kenyan foreign officials to discuss 'Tanzania’s unilateral actions on issues affecting the two countries' as well as addressing cross-border issues.
“Kenya-Tanzania relations are longstanding, rich and complex and should not be jeopardised by a hardening of positions over minor issues that can be easily resolved through candid and open dialogue.
“There may be need to urgently convene the Kenya-Tanzania Joint Border Commissioners/Administrators Committee Meeting to address emerging cross-border issues,” stated Mr Amollo during a meeting on Monday.
On Monday, President Magufuli warned Kenyan herders against grazing their animals in Tanzania.
He warned that Tanzanian authorities would apprehend the animals and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The warning was issued through a press statement as he began a four-day visit in his official capacity to Kagera province.
President Magufuli stated: "Tanzania sio shamba la kuchungia mifugo ya nchi jirani, ndio maana tumeamua kukamata mifugo na kuchukua hatua kwa mujibu wa sheria. (Tanzania is not a farm to take care of livestock from neighbouring countries, which is why we've decided to get the animals and take action in accordance with the law).
"Na hata huko kwenye nchi jirani wakishika mifugo kutoka Tanzania wachukue hatua za kisheria za nchi hizo (And even in the neighbouring countries if they get livestock from Tanzania let them take action in accordance with their laws)," he stated.
[caption caption="Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli"]
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