[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past event. He says that his leadership will replicate that of John Maghufuli of Tanzania. Photo/Nation]
Opposition outfit NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga says he will work closely with Tanzanian president Pombe Maghufuli should be elected in August.
Maghufuli, who took over from Jakaya Kikwete in 2015, has been hitting headlines due to his strictness in dealing with corruption related issues.
And in his tour at Taveta on Friday, Odinga said he will ensure there is free trading in the Kenya-Tanzania border which has been having issues in the recent past.
“You all know that Maghufuli is a very close friend of mine. If elected, I will work closely with him to spur growth in the country.
“We shall ensure that there is free trade where Kenyans and Tanzanians will interact freely. We must do away with this animosity that has been created by the government,” he said.
Earlier this year, Tanzanian authorities subjected Kenyans to reprisals, a move which created tension along Namanga border.
Since taking power, Maghufuli, who like Odinga is nicknamed Ting’a in his native, has been having strained relationship with Kenyan authorities.