Editor's Review

“On behalf of President Joao Lourenco, I would first like to convey his apologies he would have loved to be here but for unforeseen reasons, he couldn’t make it to Kericho." 

Angola President Joao Laurenco on Friday, October 20 failed to attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho where he was set to grace as the chief guest.

President Laurenco instead sent Angola Foreign Minister Antonio Tete who addressed Kenyans on his behalf.

Ambassador Tete explained that the Angolan President could not make it to the Kericho Green Stadium due to unforeseen reasons.

“On behalf of President Joao Lourenco, I would first like to convey his apologies he would have loved to be here but for unforeseen reasons, he couldn’t make it to Kericho. He sent you a very warm greeting thanking again for the warm reception we always have been granted whenever we come to Kenya,” said the Angolan Minister.

File image of President Joao Laurenco with Musalia Mudaavdi at JKIA. 

Tete went on to say it Kenya played a key role in Angola gaining independence as it benefited from the Mau Mau revolution.

“It is very emotional for the Angolan people to be here, especially on such a day, Heroes Day because we also have the same heroes who are not only Kenyan heroes but also African heroes and Angolan heroes. Many will remember how the struggle for independence of Angola benefited from the revolution of Maumau and others in Kenya,” he added.

President Laurenco arrived in Kenya on Thursday, October 19, and was received by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

He will be in Kenya for two days and will hold bilateral talks with President William Ruto before returning to Angola.