No intention to keep president waiting, says Kibicho

Central Africa Republic President Michel Djotodia inspects a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi July 30, 2013. The government has said there was no intention to keep the president waiting in his plane for nearly an hour at Kenya's main airport July 31, 2013. PSCU 

By AGGREY MUTAMBO
Posted  Wednesday, July 31  2013 at  10:22

The government has said there was no intention to keep visiting Central Africa Republic president waiting in his plane for nearly an hour at Kenya's main airport.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said the protocol accorded to first-time visiting heads of state is different and requires longer clearances.

On Tuesday, Central Africa Republic leader Michel Am-Nondokro Djotodia’s plane touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at around 4pm.

"There was no intention to delay him even for one second. Indeed, he was only undergoing protocol as is required of head of state visiting for the first time," Mr Kibicho told the Nation at the sidelines of the Great Lakes Summit in Gigiri, Nairobi Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a source said Army commander Lt-Gen Joseph Kasaon was sent to receive him.

“There is no senior government official here but the army commander received him,” said an airport official who sought anonymity.

But on Wednesday, Mr Kibicho said it should not be an issue who was sent to receive the president.

"The government has three arms and various departments and it doesn't matter who was sent to receive our guests. It is all about integrating our officials into one system," he said.

The CAR leader is in the country for a special summit on the International Great Lakes Region together with 11 other regional leaders. The heads of state are expected to discuss security and regional trade.