Can peacock diplomacy smooth Tanzania-Kenya relations?

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) receives four peacocks from Tanzania High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Pindi Hazara Chana at State House, Nairobi on August 2, 2019. PHOTO | PSCU.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta Friday received a gift of four peacocks from his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli.

The birds were promised to Mr Kenyatta when he visited Mr Magufuli last month.

"The birds signify the values of love, unity and brotherhood that exist between the people of the two countries," Mr Kenyatta said in a statement.

Mr Magufuli had asked his fellow president to ensure that the birds' chicks are returned to Tanzania.

East Africa political watchers, who may or may not be twitchers, will now be keen to see if there will be less ruffling of feathers between the two neighbouring countries