Though Magufuli’s visit was seen a crucial in debunking myths of animosity and sore relationship, the tensions remained for a while until President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Magufuli.
In 2019, Tanzania threatened diplomatic action against Kenya following incitement remarks by Starehe MP Charles Jaguar against foreign investors.
During a debate in Parliament, the legislators said Kenya should not only distance itself from the sentiments but must also prove action against the MP.
Opposition leader Freeman Mbowe told the Parliament that though Jaguar had uttered the words as an individual person, such cannot be ignored as it can easily put the lives of Tanzanians who have invested in the country.
Mbowe said such xenophobic statements must not be taken lightly as many lives are at stake.
“Mr Speaker we have specifically been mentioned by the said MP and we cannot sit and ignore. Kenya government must move swiftly and act against such actions that might breed enmity with our Kenyan brothers,” Mbowe said.
He said Among African Countries, Kenya is leading the countries with the largest labour force spread abroad.
If these countries were to order Kenyans to go back to their country, it would breed to something else Mr Speaker. This house must that in its authority issue their stand over the matter,” he said.
Another legislator with a contrary opinion however said Tanzania parliament should not waste its time discussing sentiment issued by an individual member of parliament.
The legislator by the name Lusinde said Jaguar’s sentiments require a political reaction rather.
“We should cease discussing this matter, Mr Speaker. This shows we are cowards and such cowardice ways will see our people suffer. If they say Tanzanians be beaten, we should also declare that all Kenyans in Tanzania be roughed up and taken back to Kenya,” He said.
As a result, to ease the tension, President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a private visit to Magufuli at his Chato home before they publicly declared…