Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Caught Amidst The Finance Bill 2024 Protests, Commends Kenyans
On Tuesday, June 18, Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba found himself in the midst of Nairobi City commotion caused by protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Makamba had traveled to Nairobi with his delegation to begin construction on a twin-tower building that will house the Tanzanian embassy in Kenya.
Speaking to reporters, he revealed that he was aware of the impending demonstrations in Nairobi but decided to go ahead with the trip.
“It is quite an eventful day in Nairobi, from the commotion we see in town,” he spoke of the chaos witnessed within the capital.
While he remained calm throughout the process, he mentioned that his team had expressed concerns and attempted to cancel the visit previously.
Makamba stated that he respected people’s right to protest, which influenced his decision not to cancel the trip.
Later today in Nairobi, we will be launching the construction of Twin Towers (22 floors each) buildings, a real estate investment by NSSF and Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Upper Hill, the center of Nairobi, that will also house our embassy. We are honoured to be… pic.twitter.com/GQe6qRw8WX
— January Makamba (@JMakamba) June 18, 2024
“We believe that whatever we need to communicate to our people, our differences in opinions, in how we do things, and the expression of those differences can coexist in progress,” he explained.
While the Minister could see the demonstrations in Nairobi, he was safe.
He was able to speak with journalists on Upper Hill Nairobi, where the building will be located.
President William Ruto previously stated that it was healthy for democracy when Kenyans questioned their leaders about policies being developed and implemented.
“We are glad we are having conversations about issues, and our institutions are working,” he stated.
Despite the President’s assurances, hundreds of activists were arrested for peacefully protesting in the Central Business District.
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Caught Amidst The Finance Bill 2024 Protests, Commends Kenyans
