By Zuleikha Salim
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is in Maputo, Mozambique to represent President William Ruto in the inauguration of President-elect Daniel Francisco Chapo.
It marks Kindiki’s second international trip since being sworn in as Deputy President on November 01, 2024.
His maiden trip abroad as Deputy President was when he attended the inauguration of President Duma Boko, in Gaborone, Botswana in November, 2024.
With Ruto out of the country for the two-day Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is now the man in charge.
Upon his arrival at Maputo International Airport, Kindiki was received by Mozambican government officials and representatives from the Kenyan Embassy in Mozambique.
Before his departure, he met with Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where they discussed various key issues affecting Kenya and Somalia.
Mozambique’s President-elect Daniel Chapo, aged 48, secured 65% of the vote in the recent election.
However, opposition leaders, electoral observers and the public have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the poll, alleging it was manipulated.
The election outcome led to demonstrations, some of which turned violent, resulting in over 270 deaths including protesters, children and security personnel.
Chapo’s main rival, Venâncio Mondlane, briefly went into exile in South Africa, claiming he survived an assassination attempt, but returned to Mozambique last week.
Prior to his political career, Chapo was a radio and television host, legal university lecturer, provincial governor, and served as general secretary in the ruling Frelimo party.