Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, February 21, held talks with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu amid speculations of a secret deal to field retired Head of State Jakaya Kikwete for the African Union Chairperson role.
In a statement, Uhuru paid a courtesy call to Suluhu at State House, Zanzibar where they discussed diplomacy issues affecting the continent.
Uhuru arrived in Tanzania on Tuesday to attend the Inaugural International Colloquium Promoting Cross-Cultural, Linguistics and Economic Diplomacy to Develop a Sustainable Future.
"President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Suluhu Samia President of the United Republic of Tanzania at State House, Zanzibar. The former President had earlier attended the 1st International Colloquium on Promoting Cross-Cultural, Linguistics and Economic Diplomacy for Sustainable Futures in Dar es Salam," the statement read in part.
Suluhu and Uhuru enjoy a cordial relationship emanating from the former president's tenure whereby the duo signed several agreements to foster the bilateral ties between Tanzania and Kenya.
It is, however, unclear if the two leaders discussed regional matters including the AU Commission chairperson role which Azimio's Raila Odinga recently declared his interest.
Politicians within both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza camps speculated that Uhuru is allegedly in talks with Suluhu to field former Tanzanian president Kikwete as the suitable candidate to succeed incumbent Moussa Faki.
On Wednesday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei accused Uhuru of secretly hatching a plot to betray Raila by supporting Tanzania's Jakaya Kikwete
"We are pleading with Uhuru to stop sponsoring Kikwete for the AU role. Raila has been hurting a lot and we think this seat will help him to give back to the continent. We know that Uhuru hasn't healed after we defeated him in 2022 but we plead with him to also support Raila so that East Africa can present one candidate," Cherargei stated.
Additionally, a faction of Azimio politicians alleged that Uhuru had devised a clandestine plan to sideline Raila from the AU role.
However, Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify the claims.
On the other hand, Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni offered a contrary opinion and confirmed that Uhuru would utilise his influence across the continent to secure Raila's victory.
"He (Raila) has to campaign and it has much to do with who else is on the ballot. But Raila has a good rapport with many Heads of State and has people who will campaign for him including our former president Uhuru who has very good connections across the continent," Kioni noted.
Raila will be required to secure votes from the 55 member-states to guarantee his victory and take up the chairmanship role for a four-year term.
