Starehe MP Charles Njagua’s threat to deport all Chinese and other foreigners trading in the country has continued to caused jitters not only in Kenya but also outside the country.
President John Pombe Magufuli-led government has now summoned Kenyan High Commissioner to Dar es Salaam Dan Kazungu to explain 'xenophobic' remarks.
Jaguar has declared that he will personally deport all foreigners conducting trade in his constituency including Gikomba Market.
His remarks have not augured well with the Tanzanian government before the summon. Speaking from his backyard on Monday, Jaguar lamented that foreigners had taken up most opportunities meant for the locals.
“We are not talking about six Chinese nationals. We are talking of hundreds of foreigners who work here (Kenya). I give the government 24 hours to evict these foreigners lest I, being a representative of this area, go into their shops, beat them and send them all the way to the airport,” he said, as quoted by Daily Nation.
Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has now said that the remarks have been taken seriously by his country. He also confirmed that Kazungu has been summoned over the matter.
“We summoned the Kenyan High Commissioner to Tanzania. We also spoke to our High Commissioner in Kenya,” said Mr Majaliwa.
The government has, however, disowned the statement made by the lawmaker.