Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has departed for Maputo, Mozambique, to represent Kenya at the inauguration of President-elect Daniel Francisco Chapo.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Kindiki revealed that he also held a brief meeting with Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Fiqi, who was transiting from Cairo, Egypt, to Somalia, crossed paths with Kindiki at the airport’s diplomatic lounge.
“Departure for Maputo, to represent Kenya at the inauguration of President-elect Daniel Francisco Chapo, Republic of Mozambique. At the airport, held discussions with Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who was on transit from Cairo, Egypt to Somalia,” Kindiki stated.
President Ruto in Abu Dhabi
President William Ruto, meanwhile, is attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in the United Arab Emirates. He arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, January 13, 2025, where he was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kenyan Ambassador to the UAE Kenneth Milimo Nganga.
A video shared by State House Kenya on Tuesday showed Ruto being welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honor upon disembarking from his plane.
Kindiki to Join Dignitaries in Maputo
Deputy President Kindiki will join other dignitaries, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the high-profile event. According to a statement from Mozambique’s official website, Ramaphosa arrived in Maputo on January 15, 2025, ahead of the inauguration.
Mozambique’s Political Unrest
The inauguration comes amid heightened tensions in Mozambique following protests against the election results. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who was President-elect Chapo’s main rival, has called for a national strike.
While it remains unclear whether the strike will coincide with the inauguration, local media reports suggest that opposition supporters may take to the streets in defiance of the government.
Despite the unrest, the inauguration is set to proceed with pomp and ceremony as Mozambique ushers in its new leader.
