Kenya: Why Israeli PM Netanyahu Was Eager to Visit Kenya

Photo: Daily Nation

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a luncheon at State House Nairobi after the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left Tel-Aviv on Tuesday for the inauguration ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta, the political import of his return to Nairobi after 16 months was not lost on observers.

Mr Netanyahu had broken the news of his Kenyan tour at a remembrance ceremony at the grave site of David Ben-Gurion, the founder of the State of Israel and bosom supporter of Kenya's independence struggle.

Then, Mr Netanyahu spoke of Ben-Gurion's foreign policy doctrine of establishing strong ties with friendly nations.

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That he chose to be the only non-African leader to make it to Nairobi -- in spite of his Shin Bet security service special agents warning him not to attend the open ceremony at Kasarani -- was a diplomatic triumph for President Kenyatta as he began his second and final term.

This is Mr Netanyahu's third visit to Africa in the past year and a half as he seeks to solidify relations with the continent and as Israel seeks to position itself on the international arena.

Israel has also been seeking to have African countries renounce their historical support at the United Nations for Palestinian independence and, perhaps, abstain from criticising Tel Aviv policies in the occupied territories.

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More so, it is seeking African support in organising the Israeli-Africa summit next year and candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2018