Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been summoned by the Senate to explain what lawmakers describe as the government’s “loud silence” as Kenyans continue to face harassment, torture, and even death in foreign countries.
The summons come after a heated Senate debate, where legislators accused the state of failing to protect citizens caught in violent political unrest, arbitrary arrests, and abusive working conditions abroad. The concerns were triggered by recent reports of Kenyans killed or arrested in Tanzania following unrest linked to the country’s October 2025 general election. Others were detained in Uganda for over a month, while many more working in Gulf countries continue to experience harsh and exploitative conditions.
West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor questioned why Kenya appears indifferent when its citizens suffer. “Why are we becoming so laid-back that we do not respond to the plight of our people, yet other governments follow up on their citizens?” he asked.
Nominated Senator Veronica Maina echoed these sentiments, noting that Kenya hosts thousands of foreigners who operate businesses freely and peacefully. She questioned why neighboring countries do not extend the same courtesy to Kenyans. Senator Beatrice Ogola added that Kenya has consistently upheld the rights of foreign nationals, yet its citizens abroad receive hostility instead of reciprocity.
Speaker Amason Kingi approved the senators’ request to summon Mudavadi, who will now appear before the National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga urged leaders to consider the broader implications of their rhetoric, stressing the importance of regional unity in an increasingly interconnected world. Meanwhile, Senator Catherine Mumma called for a thorough investigation to uncover how many Kenyans have been killed, injured, or lost property in the recent wave of violence.
As tensions remain high in parts of Tanzania following the 2025 election unrest where civilians have clashed with security forces Kenyan lawmakers say the government must act swiftly to ensure the safety and dignity of its citizens across East Africa and beyond.
