Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has addressed the diplomatic relations between Kenya and other countries following the current unrest in Kenya.
Mudavadi addressed the relations in a letter addressed to all Heads of Diplomatic missions in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 2.
In his letter, the Prime CS noted the government’s perspectives on the state of affairs and geopolitical developments in general while also highlighting that the communication was on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
“In the past few weeks, Kenya has witnessed unprecedented protests sparked off by national debate on the Finance Bill 2024. What began as peaceful protests turned violent, leading to loss of lives, injuries and destruction of public and private property,” read part of the statement.
First, the PCS assured the diplomats that Kenya’s long-term security will not be compromised by the current situation.
Musalia Mudavadi Talks of Cracks in the Media
Mudavadi highlighted that the Government has consequently taken measures to contain protests that turn riotous and exceed the constitutionally permissible guardrails.
He assured them that the state will continue to protect the people, public institutions and private property within its territory.
“As we continue to pursue the welfare of our people through international engagements, we remain committed to our national interests and mutually beneficial relations with all our partners,” said Mudavadi.
In his defense, the Foreign Affairs CS exposed cracks within the media which he said have played part in the turn of events.
Mudavadi claimed the media has been manipulated into promoting misinformation and disinformation.
“However, the media continues to grapple with the enormous explosion of misinformation and disinformation in the digital space. This abuse of the internet space continues to fuel national and global instability as well as feed into the ever-opportunistic cybercrime,” he said.
Also Read: Details of Ruto’s Phone Call with Anthony Blinken Over Finance Bill Protests
Media and Global Trends
Musalia argued that radical groups and political opportunists around the world have found ways and means of exploiting loopholes within the genuine concerns and expressions of citizens.
He said that such instances have led to endless cycles of violent riots worldwide with little willingness by the actors to provide sustainable and lasting solutions.
Mudavadi further quoted the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 on negative media exploitation.
“The report admits that the biggest global short-term risk stems from misinformation and disinformation “in large part driven by the potential for Al, in the hands of bad actors, to flood global information systems with false narratives.”
However, the PCS lauded international media for upholding their professional ethics while reporting on the protests that have turned deadly.
Mudavadi also argued that Kenya has suffered the effects of states across the world finding themselves in a complex situation of competition, rivalry, and confrontation.
He cited that Kenya is navigating the complexities of its obligations as a sovereign state answerable to the welfare of its people, while responding to geopolitical rivalry.
Musalia at the same time appreciated the diplomatic heads for their tireless support.
He called for their continued partnership promising them that President William Ruto is in the process of ensuring stability in the country.
While defending President Ruto who has come under scrutiny from foreign missions, Mudavadi highlighted that Kenya is embarking on a national dialogue for economic and social transformation, sustainable peace and security.
Advisories from Foreign Countries After Deadly Protests
The letter comes when several Kenyans have lost their lives during the nationwide protests.
Protests against Finance Bill 2024 on June 25 culminated into a deadly situation which degenerated into a potential threat to national security.
The protests saw targeted attacks on critical state institutions including Parliament, the Supreme Court of Kenya and the Office of the Governor of Nairobi County.
In the wake of continued protests against the government, foreign countries have issued advisories to their citizens while raising concerns over instability and security.
In recent advisories, the embassies of Ukraine and Russia, cautioned their citizens to stay indoors and avoid visiting the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday due to planned demonstrations.
The two countries noted that the advisories were informed by the possibility of violence breaking out due to confrontation with the police in the protests.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
