Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been summoned by senators to shed light on Kenyans suffering, tortured , mistreated and those feared missing in Tanzania following post election violence.
The senators accused the government of failing to follow up and decisively act on Kenyans arrested, killed, or facing all manner of mistreatment in foreign lands including Uganda and in the middle east countries.
According to senator Julius Murgor, he wondered why was the government not responding to the plight of our people when they are persecuted or detained, yet other governments follow up on their 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,” Murgor said.
Recently, two Kenyan activists who had been detained for more than a month in Uganda were released following government’s intervention.
Speaker Amason Kingi approved the senators’ request to summon Mudavadi to explain what measures the government is taking to protect citizens trapped abroad.
CS Mudavadi will appear before the National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
The legislatures in unison echoed their sentiments as to why Kenyans remain as the main targets of persecution in countries that enjoy freedom and opportunities in Kenya.
“Kenya has been friendly to foreigners, so it is worrying that neighboring countries are hostile towards our people. It is uncalled for.”
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola expressed that people from other nationals doing various businesses, which ordinary Kenyans would be doing them, but since Kenya is a democratic country, foreigner’s have been respected and accorded the rights to do them.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma underscored Kenya’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law and protection of Kenyan rights adding that families were mourning loved ones who died during the post-election skirmishes in Tanzania.
“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.
Mumma further urged Kenyans to continue respecting international treaties while ensuring the safety of foreigners within its borders.
She called in relevant authorities to investigate and report to Parliament how many Kenyans have been killed, injured or lost property in the recent wave of attacks.
“Safety of Kenyans within the East African Community must be prioritized. It is alarming that official reports from Tanzania suggested that foreigners, most them likely to be Kenyans, were among those harassed, detained or killed.
“The East African Legislative Assembly must establish the facts . she urged
