President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday seemingly responded to Starehe MP Charles Njagua aka Jaguar's remarks about foreigners which sparked controversy, with some terming them xenophobic.
Speaking in Tanzania where he was visiting President John Magufuli, Uhuru dismissed the legislator's comments which he noted were in bad taste.
"Unajua wanasiasa shida yao wanaongea bila kufikiria anafikiria anapoishi ndiyo mwisho wa dunia. Unasikia wengine wanaropokwa ropokwa wanaongea mambo ambayo hayapo.
"(Which loosely translates to: You know, some politicians have one problem and that is talking without thinking. They believe that where they live is where the world ends. You may have heard one spew the words and mention things that aren't factual)," the president stated.
He called for efforts to end tribalism and other dividing elements in the region.
"How can you tell a Tanzanian not to carry out business in Kenya, not to travel to Kenya and not to wed in Kenya? And you can't stop a Kenyan from doing the same," he added.
He added that his goal is for a united East African block with a vision where all the countries gain.
"We want a united East Africa, not one that doesn't encompass all communities. If there's something I'd want to see before I leave office is for East Africa to be united and thrive together," Uhuru stated.
He further addressed the recent Kenya vs Tanzania clash at the Afcon championship where he explained that friendly competition could actually strengthen relationships.
"In Cairo, we competed and this time Kenya beat Taifa Stars. On the other hand, your team was better off when you faced Senegal. You only lost by two goals, we were beaten by three," he stated.
Here is the video courtesy:
