Diaspora and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi speaks during second Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium at USIU, May 23, 2025. /PCSThe government has reaffirmed its diplomatic approach in resolving diplomatic tiffs following the recent deportation of Kenyan activists and lawyers from Tanzania and emphasised its commitment to protecting citizen rights abroad.
In a statement on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS, Musalia Mudavadi, said he's taken note of the development that sparked public outcry and renewed scrutiny of cross-border relations.
The assurance comes days after a group of Kenyan activists and lawyers were denied entry and subsequently deported from Tanzania.
The group had traveled to Dar es Salaam to observe proceedings in a court case against Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who's been charged with treason and incitement.
The alleged torture of activist Boniface Mwangi and his subsequent deportation by road particularly ignited frustration among Kenyans and triggered widespread online condemnation, especially after the government appeared to endorse Tanzania's high-handedness.
"I'm fully aware of the concerns and frustrations expressed by many of you regarding the recent situation involving Kenyans who were detained in Tanzania," Mudavadi said, acknowledging the public's anxiety over the episode.
The Prime CS reassured Kenyans that the government acted swiftly through official diplomatic channels to resolve the standoff.
Whilst other activists and lawyers were deported by air on Monday, Mwangi was detained by Tanzanian authorities and allegedly tortured before he was driven by road and dumped in Ukunda in Kwale county on Thursday.
"Let me begin by reassuring you that the government upholds and defends the rights of all Kenyans, wherever they are in this world. We use our diplomatic channels, often times behind the scenes, to engage with our friendly countries to resolve difficult issues," Mudavadi said.
He revealed that he personally engaged with his Tanzanian counterpart to resolve the matter, which has since been settled amicably.
The Prime CS laid emphasis on the use of structured dialogue in resolving diplomatic differences between friendly countries, noting that Kenya and Tanzania have deep historical ties built on mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
While acknowledging the important role online activism plays in shaping opinions and driving change, the Prime CS stressed that the government's approach was rooted in cooperation, not confrontation.
"While online activism can raise awareness on issues, it cannot replace the structured dialogue that preserves our bilateral ties and respect for each other's sovereignty," Mudavadi said.
"The path to resolution lay not in confrontation, but in cooperation. Our engagement with Tanzania was guided by mutual respect, discretion and the shared understanding that there is a deep bond between our peoples," he added.
"Diplomacy works. It may seem slow, but it yields sustainable results and maintains the relationships vital to our nation's well-being," Mudavadi asserted.
He called for respect for each country's laws and norms, cautioning against assuming that domestic freedoms and practices can be applied beyond national borders.
"Respect for our neighbours' norms and laws is imperative, recognising our ability to engage respectfully on the regional and global stage as a strength, not a weakness," he said.
Mudavadi further urged Kenyans to see the bigger picture and embrace diplomacy as the primary tool for resolving disputes.
"My parting shot is to urge all Kenyans to see the bigger picture, to embrace the quiet power of diplomacy, to uphold the dignity of our flag, and to remember that we are part of a region, not apart from it. We cannot live in our neighbourhood alone, nor should we desire to," he said.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya's prosperity, peace, and future depend on her ability to build bridges and nurture them in the national interest.
Away from addressing the diplomatic tensions, Mudavadi also underscored the economic and social interdependence between the two East African neighbours.
He noted that Tanzania is Kenya's sixth-largest export market, accounting for 23 per cent of Kenyan exports within the EAC, and is also a significant source of imports.
In 2024, he said the Economic Survey 2025 shows that Kenya exported goods worth Sh 67 billion to Tanzania, while it imported goods valued at Sh 58 billion.
Beyond trade, he said approximately 250,000 Kenyans live, work, or do business in Tanzania, relying on the neighbouring country for their livelihoods and the education of their families.
"These individuals and their families depend on the income earned in our neighboring country for sustenance and education back home in Kenya," Mudavadi noted, emphaisis the need for Kenya to maintain good neighborliness with Tanzania.
