Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for calm and diplomatic restraint following the recent diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania sparked by the detention and deportation of prominent Kenyan figures.
This comes after Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was briefly detained in Arusha, while former Justice Minister Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were deported from Tanzania under circumstances that drew regional attention and public uproar online.
In a public statement on Thursday, Mudavadi reassured Kenyans that the matter had been addressed amicably through diplomatic channels, cautioning against escalating tensions through emotional or confrontational rhetoric.
“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 behind the scenes, to engage with our friendly countries to resolve difficult issues,” Mudavadi said.
The incident drew criticism from human rights groups and civil society, who accuse Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of democratic backsliding and repression of dissent.
Critics say the recent deportations send a disturbing signal about the shrinking space for free expression across the East African region.
“The decision to deport these high-profile Kenyan figures while detaining a vocal activist sends a chilling message not just to Tanzanians, but to East Africans committed to free expression and cross-border solidarity,” a human rights activist noted.
Online, the hashtag #FreeBonifaceMwangi trended for several hours, with many Kenyans condemning what they termed as overreach and an attempt to silence criticism.
Tanzanian opposition leaders also weighed in, calling the move an affront to East African unity and civil liberties.
However, Mudavadi urged citizens to take a broader view of the situation and prioritize diplomacy over outrage.
“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,” he said. “The path to resolution lies not in confrontation, but in cooperation.”
He emphasized the deep economic and social interdependence between the two nations, citing the 2025 Economic Survey which ranks Tanzania as Kenya’s sixth-largest export destination and ninth-largest import source.
He also noted that approximately 250,000 Kenyans live and work in Tanzania, benefiting from stable cross-border relations.
“No nation prospers in isolation. Kenya’s development is anchored in strong economic ties and strategic partnerships with our neighbours,” he stated.
