Mudavadi summoned over government’s ‘silence’ on Kenyans suffering abroad

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been summoned by senators who accuse the government of maintaining a “loud silence” as Kenyans endure suffering, torture and mistreatment abroad.

During a heated debate in the Senate, lawmakers expressed outrage over what they termed the state’s reluctance to intervene when Kenyans are killed, arrested, or mistreated abroad.

 “Why are we becoming so laid-back that we do not respond to the plight of our people when they are persecuted or detained, yet other governments follow up on their citizens?” West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor asked.

 Senators cited cases of Kenyans who have been killed, tortured or detained in Uganda, Tanzania and Middle East countries, accusing the government of failing to act decisively.

 Their uproar follows reports of Kenyans killed and arrested in Tanzania during the chaotic aftermath of the recent general election.

 Two others were detained in Uganda for over a month before being released, while many Kenyans working in the Gulf are said to be suffering under harsh conditions.

 “We are good neighbours. We treat others humanely while Kenyans are treated with hostility. It is time the government ensures these states are held responsible and treat our people positively. Otherwise, we are made to feel like we do not matter in East Africa,” Murgor said.

 Speaker Amason Kingi approved the senators’ request to summon Mudavadi to explain what measures the government is taking to protect citizens trapped abroad.

 The CS will appear before the National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.

 Nominated Senator Veronica Maina questioned why Kenyans were being targeted in countries that enjoy freedom and opportunities in Kenya.

 “If you walk through some streets in Nairobi today, you will find small traders from Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania. Our salons are run by Congolese and even the person who cuts my hair is not Kenyan,” she said.

 “Kenya has been friendly to foreigners, so it is worrying that neighbouring countries are hostile towards our people. It is uncalled for.”

 Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola echoed the concerns, wondering why countries fail to reciprocate Kenya’s hospitality.

 “In Kenya, you will find all nationals doing various businesses, some of them small businesses we would ordinarily expect Kenyans themselves to do. But we respect their rights and give them freedom of movement,” she said.

 Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga reminded legislators that the world is becoming increasingly globalised and that leaders must promote unity and integration.

 He called for a framework to support displaced communities seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, including access to education and employment.

 “It is our moral and political obligation to make statements that promote unity and integration, not tribal or communal divisions,” Wamatinga said.

 “As members of the East African Community, we must ask ourselves how much our utterances fuel civil strife that ends up destabilising societies.”

 Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said families were mourning loved ones who died during the post-election skirmishes in Tanzania.

 She underscored Kenya’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law and protection of rights.

 “As MPs, we have a duty to stand up for every Kenyan, whether they are in Tanzania, Uganda or elsewhere. It is deeply saddening to hear of Kenyans losing their lives or property simply because of their nationality,” she said.

 Mumma urged the relevant committee to investigate and report to Parliament how many Kenyans have been killed, injured or lost property in the recent wave of attacks.

 She emphasised the need for Kenya to continue respecting international treaties while ensuring the safety of foreigners within its borders.

 She added that the safety of Kenyans within the East African Community must be prioritised. She said it was alarming that official reports from Tanzania suggested that foreigners—“most likely Kenyans”—were among those harassed, detained or killed.

 “The East African Legislative Assembly must establish the facts: Who were these people and why were they targeted?” she asked.

 INSTANT ANALYSIS

 Following Tanzania's October 2025 general election, the country has experienced widespread unrest marked by civilian clashes with security forces. Major cities witnessed heightened tensions, raising serious concerns about public safety and civil stability. This posed a significant safety risk to Kenyan citizens residing in or travelling to Tanzania. Moreover, the tensions spilled over to border regions where cross-border confrontations emerged.