President Ruto meets Suluhu after snub claims

President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, met his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu amid claims the Kenyan Head of State snubbed the latter during a recent visit to Kenya.

The presidents met on the sidelines of the Africa heads of State summit on human capital in Dar es Salaam.

In photos seen by People Daily Digital, the leaders were captured sharing a warm handshake.

The meeting comes a day after Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga claimed that President Ruto snubbed Suluhu when she visited Kenya two weeks ago.

Addressing members of the press in Nairobi, Raila disclosed that Suluhu was in the country for two days to lead mediation talks between him (Raila) and the president "but her visit was in vain".

Raila told the media that President Ruto, who initiated the meeting, failed to show up for the talks at the last minute.

"Those members of that team withdrew. At the time, most members claimed they were out of the country and could not reach a quorum meaning they were not serious. There have also been attempts from outside, the President of Tanzania came here two weeks ago at the invitation of President Ruto to mediate. She was kept waiting; Not from our side, we were available, but the other side was not available. She spent two nights here and it was all in vain," Raila told journalists.

Responding to Raila's claims on Tuesday evening, President Ruto said he was open to holding one-to-one talks with Raila once he returns from Tanzania.

"My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. Am back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience," Ruto said in a tweet.