Why Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Came to Kenya for Uhuru's Inauguration But Skipped the Ceremony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu skipped the swearing in ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday despite confirming his attendance to the fete.

Jerusalem Post reported that the Premier would bot be present for the main inauguration ceremony at the 60,000-seat Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi due to security concerns.
“Rather, after landing in the morning and being received in an official ceremony, Netanyahu is scheduled to take part in an event at the Presidential palace, where he will have a joint meeting with some 10 African leaders,” wrote the Post

“The Shin Bet Security Service has therefore not green-lighted for Netanyahu to appear at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium out of concern for his safety,” another Israeli media, The Israel Times reported.

Netanyahu however attended a reception held at State House President Uhuru Kenyatta's after the inauguration. He was also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with African government leaders present at the luncheon, before flying out in the evening.

Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Ian Khama (Botswana), Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Hage Geingob (Namibia), Ismaïl Omar Guelleh Muhammed (Djibouti), Abdullahi Farmajo (Somalia), Guinea’s Prime Minister Mamady Youla and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn attended the ceremony.

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria was represented at by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete and ex-Prime Minister Edward Lowassa also witnessed installation of the two leaders.