By Enock Kiprotich
Many Kenyans are expressing strong displeasure with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. The backlash comes after Mudavadi appeared to support recent controversial remarks made by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu about Kenyans.
On Tuesday, May 20, President Suluhu made comments that seemed to criticize the behavior and manners of some Kenyans, particularly in the context of activism. Although her exact words were not fully quoted, the remarks were widely viewed as dismissive and derogatory.
In response, Mudavadi defended Suluhu’s sentiments, saying she was not wrong. He acknowledged that while Kenyans enjoy significant freedom of expression, that liberty is sometimes misused in ways that lack decorum.
“I will not protest that because I think there is some truth. Let us face a few facts. The level of etiquette, insults, that we see in Kenya—even though we have freedom of speech—is sometimes going overboard,” Mudavadi stated.
His comments sparked outrage among many Kenyans, who felt he had betrayed the country by endorsing what they perceived as a disrespectful attack on their character.
Critics questioned his loyalty and competence in his diplomatic role, arguing that he should have stood up for Kenyans instead of supporting Suluhu’s controversial remarks.
The backlash highlights the deep sense of national pride among Kenyans and their sensitivity to how they are portrayed by foreign leaders.
Mudavadi’s remarks have ignited a broader debate around freedom of speech, patriotism, and what constitutes respectful public discourse.
