The government has distanced itself from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu's alleged visit to the country to mediate over the impasse between Azimio's Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed noted that opposition leader Raila Odinga was better placed to share the details of the visit and advised journalists to refer questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which handles foreign or State visits.
Efforts to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were futile as calls and texts went unanswered.
"I can neither confirm nor deny the claims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is best placed to answer whether a president came into the country or not. I direct you also to the source of the claims who is Raila," he stated.
Raila on Tuesday, July 26, claimed that the Tanzanian President was in the country recently to mediate, claims the government side has neither confirmed nor denied.
The opposition leader claimed that Suluhu had fortuitously attempted to broker a truce between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio camps but the government frustrated her efforts as she was kept waiting for days before returning to her country.
Raila, who spoke to local and international journalists on July 25, 2023, stated that his side was ready to hold talks but the efforts were curtailed by the State.
Hours after the statement, President William Ruto invited Raila for one-on-one talks in a bid to iron out the issues between the two conflicting camps.
"My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent," he stated.
"I will be back tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, and as you have always known, I'm available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience."
The statement seemingly unsettled some members in the Kenya Kwanza camp who vehemently confirmed that there would be no power-sharing deal during the discussions.
"It is well, some progress. Happy that Raila has recovered from the flu but when did he start working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or as State House spokesperson?" National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah posed.
