A photo of African heads of state that circulated on social media on Monday, the 19th at Queen Elizabeth II’s send-off has brought in controversy.
In the viral photo, president William Ruto is seen seated next to the first lady, Rachael, one seat behind Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, and among them other heads of state and prime ministers.
As the funeral leads trends across social media platforms, with the hashtag #queensfuneral, it appears many social media users are not happy about this arrangement which was announced days ahead of the funeral. However, some understood the reason behind the ‘special’ coaches arrangements which sources revealed later was meant to ease traffic congestion at Westminster Abbey.
Global leaders were asked to give up their bullet-proof cars and, instead, share transport with their fellow presidents and Prime Ministers as part of plans organized by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to enable smooth travel to the Queen’s funeral While all foreign dignitaries were transported by a fleet of buses, US president Joe Biden and his wife, Jill were allowed to travel to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service in an armored presidential limousine: “The Beast”.
However, according to reports, Biden was not the only one excluded from the VIP bus ride. Others included the royal families from European countries. Also, on the list were leaders of G7 countries who were exempted for “security reasons” as well. France’s Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, and Canada’s Justin Trudeau are among them.
Kenyans as usual took their conversations to Twitter where they expressed mixed reactions.
“This bus arrival by Heads of State is not a problem for Europeans. They wouldn’t mind arriving by bicycle if possible. It is poor Africans who always flaunt wealth they don’t have that are feeling it,” tweeted one Sir Dickson.
“It’s extremely dangerous to carry our African presidents in one bus what if God forbid the bus rolls, does it mean we won’t have presidents in Africa?” asked Esimba.
The outspoken lawyer, Dr. Miguna Miguna also wrote, “Africans, especially the ordinary citizens who pay high taxes while their “leaders” live opulent lives, should know that the Prime Ministers of the UK routinely and historically ride to work (10 Downing Street) either in bicycles, Tube/Subways or public transit system.”
Mike Sonko took to his social media to protest the treatment being subjected to African leaders; “Hawa wazungu hawana adabu wanawekaje marais wa Africa ndani ya bus moja huko London. God forbid kitu mbaya ifanyike kwa hiyo bus itakuaje?”
