There was an unexpected turn of events at the JKIA Tuesday evening when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inadvertently overlooked his wife Zinash Tayachew who is accompanying him.
President William Ruto was at the airport among other leaders to receive Abiy who is in the country on a State visit.
Amidst the heavy downpour, Abiy disembarked from his vehicle and rushed to shake hands with Ruto before proceeding to the state pavilion.
However, as the two walked while exchanging pleasantries, a sudden realization struck the PM when he realised his wife was not by his side prompting a momentary pause as both leaders exchanged puzzled glances.
Abiy was seen stretching his neck to trace her as Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale whispered a word to him.
It was at this point that Tayachew was seen running after them while being escorted by her aides as Ruto stepped back to receive her amidst laughter.
They later proceeded with Abiy and Tayachew seen holding hands side by side as they walked to the pavilion where he penned his signature on the visitors’ book before having a short meeting.
Ruto and Abiy later officially presided over the opening of Samasource Kenya EPZ Limited, Nairobi delivery centre at Sameer Business Park.
The PM was last in Kenya on December 9, 2020, on an official visit for the launch of the One-Stop Border Post at Moyale in Marsabit.
His last State visit to Kenya was, however, in June 2018 when he and then-president Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to elevate their ties to strategic levels.
Insiders said the agenda of the visit is security and economic collaboration, with a particular focus on Ethiopia’s strategic interest in utilising Kenya’s Lamu Port for maritime access.
The latest visit signals improved relations between Nairobi and Addis Ababa and offers a new opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration in the region.
On Wednesday, Abiy was received at Statehouse Nairobi where he inspected a guard of honour, showcasing the precision and discipline of Kenya’s military.
As a symbol of respect and recognition, the event began with the playing of both the Ethiopian National Anthem and the Kenyan national anthem.
Ruto and Abiy also witnessed the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Source: The Star
