Senators summon Mudavadi over harassment, detention and deaths of Kenyans abroad

Senators have expressed strong concern over the treatment of Kenyans living and working abroad, accusing the government of failing to act while citizens face harassment, detention, and even death in foreign countries.

The senators said the state’s inaction has left many families grieving and Kenyans vulnerable to mistreatment, raising questions about the country’s commitment to protecting its people overseas.

During a tense debate, West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor criticised what he called a lack of urgency when Kenyans are persecuted abroad.

“Why are we becoming so laid-back that we do not respond to the plight of our people when they are persecuted or detained, yet other governments follow up on their citizens?” he asked.

Senators highlighted cases in Uganda, Tanzania, and several Gulf countries, where Kenyans have reportedly faced violence, arrests, or harsh working conditions.

The discussion followed reports of fatalities and arrests in Tanzania after the recent general election, as well as long detentions in Uganda and poor treatment of Kenyans employed in the Middle East.

Murgor emphasised that Kenya treats foreigners humanely, and it is time other states do the same for Kenyan citizens.

“We are good neighbours. We treat others humanely, while Kenyans are treated with hostility. It is time the government ensures these states are held responsible and treat our people positively. Otherwise, we are made to feel like we do not matter in East Africa,” he said.

Following the senators’ concerns, Speaker Amason Kingi approved the summoning of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi will appear before the National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, to explain the government’s measures to safeguard Kenyans abroad.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina questioned why Kenya’s openness to foreigners is not reciprocated in neighbouring countries.

“If you walk through some streets in Nairobi today, you will find small traders from Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania. Our salons are run by Congolese, and even the person who cuts my hair is not Kenyan,” she said.

“Kenya has been friendly to foreigners, so it is worrying that neighbouring countries are hostile towards our people. It is uncalled for.”

Senator Beatrice Ogola also stressed the contrast between Kenya’s hospitality and the treatment of Kenyans abroad.

“In Kenya, you will find all nationals doing various businesses, some of them small businesses we would ordinarily expect Kenyans themselves to do. But we respect their rights and give them freedom of movement,” she said.

Other Topics To Read

• News
• Headlines
• National
• Saudi Arabia
• Musalia Mudavadi
• Tanzania
• Foreign Affairs
• Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
• Gulf jobs
• Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
• Senators summon Mudavadi over harassment
• detention and deaths of Kenyans abroad

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga reminded lawmakers that in an increasingly interconnected world, leaders have a duty to promote unity and support displaced citizens. He called for frameworks to provide education, employment, and protection for communities seeking refuge across borders.

“It is our moral and political obligation to make statements that promote unity and integration, not tribal or communal divisions,” Wamatinga said.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma noted that families are mourning loved ones killed during post-election violence in Tanzania.

She urged the committee to investigate and report how many Kenyans have suffered death, injury, or property loss, insisting that protecting citizens abroad is a national duty

“As MPs, we have a duty to stand up for every Kenyan, whether they are in Tanzania, Uganda or elsewhere. It is deeply saddening to hear of Kenyans losing their lives or property simply because of their nationality,” she said.