Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has strongly criticized a group of Members of Parliament who allegedly planned to visit Taiwan during President William Ruto’s recent state visit to China, terming the move reckless, malicious, and potentially harmful to Kenya’s diplomatic interests.
Speaking during a Senate Security and Foreign Affairs Committee session, Mudavadi said the attempted trip by the MPs would have undermined the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with China, especially as President Ruto was in Beijing consolidating critical economic and diplomatic agreements.
“We know there were some people who were pushing to have a delegation from Parliament go to Taiwan when the President of Kenya is visiting China for a State visit. It could have cost the country a lot,” said Mudavadi.
He emphasized that elected leaders must exercise caution and patriotism in their actions, warning that such provocations could have severe implications on Kenya’s foreign relations. The PCS pointed out that Kenya’s position on the One-China policy is clear and reaffirmed during Ruto’s trip, where the country also endorsed peaceful solutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
During his visit, President Ruto secured a package of development agreements, including plans for the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba on the Uganda border and the construction of a dual carriageway along the same route. According to Mudavadi, these projects are set to boost economic growth in the Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western regions.
Mudavadi also highlighted Kenya’s evolving foreign policy strategy, which includes developing government-owned assets abroad. He cited Tanzania’s 22-story embassy project in Nairobi, built through its pension fund, as a model for Kenya to emulate through public-private partnerships.
The PCS urged lawmakers to act in the national interest and serve as role models for the younger generation, stressing the importance of unity in pursuing Kenya’s development and foreign policy goals.
“Our embassies can be income-generating entities. We must think ahead and invest wisely,” he concluded.
