Tanzania doubts Kenya’s COVID-19 tests.
Tanzania has doubted Kenya's COVID-19 tests in what seems like a retaliation to the sickening border tussle between the two neighbours.
Samples of 19 Tanzanian drivers who tested positive for coronavirus in Kenya have tested negative in their country according to a provincial commissioner in Arusha, Tanzania.
Arusha's Provincial Commissioner Mrisho Gambo says the 19 drivers who were Tanzanians later tested negative in the country's main laboratory in Dar Es Salaam.
"For confirmation, we took samples of the 19 drivers who tested positive for coronavirus in Kenya to our main laboratory in Dar Es Salaam and they all turned negative," said Mr. Mrisho
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The administrator now accuses Kenya of wanting to kill Arusha's tourism sector and Tanzania in general.
Further, 21 Kenyan drivers have tested positive for coronavirus in Tanzania in dates May 14-16, according to the administrator.
Eleven (11) of the drivers were tested on Saturday 16, while 10 were confirmed on Tuesday.
Border Tussle
On Saturday, Mr. Kenyatta announced the closure of Kenya's borders with Tanzania except for cargo vehicles. The president said the move was necessitated by increasing coronavirus infections among drivers coming from Tanzania.
In retaliation, Tanga regional commissioner Martin Shigella banned Kenyan cargo trucks entering Tanzania.
"Some people have names symbolizing independence but they have locked their countries. Our President Magufuli has allowed us independence. As a regional commissioner, I ban all trucks originating from Kenya immediately," said Mr. Shigela.
In his address to Tanzanians on Tuesday, Mr Kazungu said the two countries must continue doing business even as coronavirus spreads havoc.
The ambassador, however, maintained that truck drivers crossing borders must be tested and be declared coronavirus free before clearance to continue the journey.
Mr. Kazungu also revealed that Uhuru had planned to visit Tanzania in April but coronavirus disrupted the plans.
"Our president had planned to visit Tanzania on April 26, during Union Day celebrations and he planned to stay here for one week," said Mr. Kazungu.
