Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli with Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga at a past event. [Photo/jamiiforums.com]
National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga has defended the move by Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli to skip the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta about two weeks ago.
Raila said people should not over analyse his absence, arguing the neighbouring Head of State could have been occupied by other commitments.
"I think Magufuli had other engagements and that is why he didn't come. He wants peace in Kenya. No one should impute improper motives," he said.
In an interview with Sunday Standard, the former Prime Minister denied reports that he prevailed upon Magufuli not to attend Uhuru's swearing in during his recent tour of Zanzibar.
"I went to Zanzibar for holiday and did not meet him. My friendship is personal and at family level. I don't interfere with their internal politics and he doesn't interfere with our internal politics," Raila stated.
Magufuli snubbed the ceremony held on November 28 despite earlier confirmation that he would attend.
Instead, Tanzania sent Vice President Samia Suluhu to represent President Magufuli at the event.
There have been aspersions that Magufuli skipped the ceremony because of his relationship with the NASA leader.
About 47 foreign delegations including 23 heads of State or their deputies joined thousands of Kenyans at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani to witness President Kenyatta take the oath of office for his second and final term.
Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Rwanda's Paul Kagame and South Sudan's Salva Kiir attended the fete.