NAIROBI, Kenya – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to respect the laws of neighbouring countries, urging citizens to look beyond emotional responses and consider the broader diplomatic and economic stakes at play in regional relations.
Speaking amid public outcry over the recent detention and deportation of Kenyan nationals in Tanzania, Mudavadi acknowledged the frustrations shared online but emphasized that quiet diplomacy—not public confrontation—had led to a peaceful resolution.
“I used established diplomatic channels to personally engage my counterpart in Tanzania, and as you are aware, the matter has been resolved amicably,” Mudavadi said in a public statement on Wednesday.
Without naming the individuals involved or the specific causes for their arrest, the Prime Cabinet Secretary reminded Kenyans that Tanzania is a sovereign state with its own legal frameworks, and that attempts to export Kenyan norms or activism across borders may backfire.
“While online activism can raise awareness, it cannot replace structured dialogue that preserves our bilateral ties and respect for each other’s sovereignty,” he said.
Mudavadi’s comments come after Tanzanian authorities accused several foreign-linked individuals of attempting to undermine national stability, sparking backlash on Kenyan social media.
But the Kenyan government has taken a more measured tone, warning against jeopardizing the critical economic and social ties that bind the two countries.
Economic Interests at Stake
Reinforcing the message with data from the newly released 2025 Economic Survey, Mudavadi highlighted Tanzania’s importance as Kenya’s sixth-largest export market and ninth-largest source of imports.
He warned that emotional responses risk undercutting the very markets that sustain Kenyan jobs and livelihoods.
“Approximately 250,000 Kenyans live, work or do business in Tanzania. Their income supports families and drives our economy,” he said. “We must not jeopardize this through impulsive reactions.”
The manufacturing sector—employing over 369,000 Kenyans—relies heavily on exports to East Africa, Mudavadi noted, and diplomatic missteps could ripple across local industries.
Freedom with Responsibility
While affirming Kenya’s commitment to freedom of expression, the Foreign Affairs chief cautioned that constitutional rights must be balanced with diplomatic prudence.
“Our constitution guarantees the rights of the individual, but those rights must not overshadow the interests of millions,” Mudavadi said. “Respect for our neighbours’ laws is not weakness. It is wisdom.”
He concluded with a call for calm, asking Kenyans to “see the bigger picture” and recognize diplomacy as a tool of strength.
“Kenya’s prosperity, peace and future depend on our ability to build bridges—and nurture them—in the national interest,” he said.
