Magufuli reveals admiration for Dan Kazungu, says he would hire him in an instant

Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli on Thursday revealed his admiration for Ambassador Dan Kazungu, lauding his professionalism and swiftness in quelling the wrangles between the two countries.

Magufuli praised Kazungu for his patriotism and representing Kenya in the best way possible when things threatened to get out of hand.

“I want to congratulate the Kenyan ambassador who is here. He is here because of his country.

"When he saw there were some problems, he came out clearly in the open to speak and defend his country. Those are the kind of ambassadors I need,” said Magufuli.

Adding: "I wish he could move to Tanzania for me to appoint him to a different position. He is a good ambassador," he asserted.

Earlier this week, Kazungu moved to clear the air regarding the closure of the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Speaking during a press briefing, Kazungu said Coronavirus should not divide the region and leaders should use this opportunity to strengthen ties.

After limiting entry to only those who will test negative for the virus, bad blood was brewing between Kenya and Tanzania but Kazungu moved to quell the situation saying it was not driven by malice.

"We should not let the coronavirus pandemic be a reason to divide our people. We should use this opportunity to build on the friendship and shared interests between our people.

“Our enemy is neither Tanzanians nor Ugandans nor the Rwandese people. Our common enemy is this foreign virus,” he said.

Adding: "President Kenyatta told me to let you know that from his heart, he does not regard Tanzania as a neighbor but as a country of his brothers and sisters who are deeply connected as a family in the pursuit of business and shared prosperity.”