Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has backed Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s stance on the recent deportation of several Kenyan activists, including Boniface Mwangi and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer Show on Tuesday, May 20, Mudavadi said he could not fault Suluhu’s comments on what she termed a “lack of integrity” in the conduct of some Kenyans.
“I will not protest President Suluhu’s remarks because I believe there is some truth in what she said,” Mudavadi stated, noting that Tanzanian authorities might be responding to increasing concerns about the conduct of foreign activists within their borders.
The deportations have sparked outrage in Kenya, with civil society leaders, politicians, and legal experts condemning Tanzania’s actions as a breach of East African Community (EAC) protocols that promote free movement and cooperation. However, Mudavadi urged Kenyans to reflect on how freedom of speech is exercised at home and abroad.
“The level of etiquette—or lack thereof—and insults we see in Kenya, even under the guise of freedom of speech, sometimes go too far,” he said. “She [Suluhu] is pointing out that people have, on occasion, crossed the line in their public utterances in Kenya, and that is a fact.”
While maintaining that he supports freedom of expression, Mudavadi acknowledged that Tanzania retains its sovereignty and is within its rights to protect internal affairs from foreign influence. He added that the EAC framework does not override the autonomy of its member states.
President Suluhu, in a televised speech on Monday, cited a growing trend of activists attempting to interfere with Tanzania’s domestic issues, especially during sensitive events like the ongoing treason trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu. Several Kenyan activists had travelled to observe the court proceedings but were detained and deported.
Mudavadi concluded by saying diplomatic channels would now engage to establish the full context behind the deportations. “Let’s allow investigations to unfold. But as we enjoy our freedoms, let’s also practise responsibility and respect when crossing borders,” he said.
