'If Samia Suluhu was in Kenya, she was here in a personal capacity'- Hussein Mohammed

State House Spokesman Hussein Mohammed. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Kenya has denied that Tanzania President Samia Suluhu was recently in the country to mediate over the ensuing impasse between President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga.

Addressing the press in Mombasa, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed could neither confirm nor deny that Suluhu was in the country a fortnight ago adding that she could have visited in a personal capacity and not on official invitation.

"Every Head of State who visits the country follows the existing established protocols that are always handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

However, this is not to say that a president can or not come to Kenya for a holiday or private business," Hussein added while responding to questions from journalists.

His response comes a day after Odinga told international media that the visiting Tanzanian president was left hanging for the two days she was in Kenya, where she was allegedly expected to mediate between Ruto and Odinga.

"Suluhu was in the country two weeks ago. It was on Ruto's invitation. She was kept waiting. We were available, but they [Kenya Kwanza] were not available. In fact, she had to spend two nights," Raila claimed.

At the same time, the State House spokesperson has revealed that Ruto and his entourage will from tomorrow Thursday, July 27 begin a five-day tour of the Coast region.

The Head of State will hence not be attending the Russia-Africa summit but will be represented by organs of the Africa Union.

"The President will therefore be represented in accordance with Decision 762 and he has informed the Chairperson of the AU accordingly," Hussein noted.