•Foreign Affairs CS Also Criticized Gachagua’s US Remarks as Unpatriotic
In a stirring call for national unity and vigilance, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has emphasized the critical need for Kenyans to uphold patriotism and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, particularly when engaging with foreign entities.
Speaking during a high-profile event in Busia County, Mudavadi’s remarks come amid growing concerns over recent statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his ongoing visit to the United States, which have sparked debates on national security, diplomacy, and political loyalty.
This development highlights ongoing tensions within Kenyan politics, underscoring the delicate balance between domestic discourse and international relations in an era of heightened global scrutiny.
The Event: Commissioning Key Infrastructure in Funyula
The address took place on August 11, 2025, in Funyula, Samia Sub-County, Busia County, where Mudavadi presided over the commissioning of a Sh40 million tuition block at Moody Awori Primary School, alongside a vital water project funded through the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The tuition block, designed to enhance educational facilities for local students, represents a significant investment in Kenya’s education sector, aiming to improve learning environments in rural areas.
Additionally, the water project, equipped with a solar power system to reduce electricity costs, is expected to benefit over 3,000 households—potentially impacting 15,000 to 30,000 residents—by providing access to clean water and promoting healthier living conditions.
Mudavadi arrived at the school to a ceremonial guard of honour paraded by the students of Moody Awori Primary School, symbolizing respect for national leadership and community pride.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former Vice President Moody Awori, after whom the school is named, and who was praised by Mudavadi for his enduring legacy in education and social development.
Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo Mudenyo and Bunyala MP Hon. Raphael Wanjala also lent their support, echoing calls for regional unity and backing the government’s development agenda to ensure continued progress in Western Kenya.
This commissioning not only underscores the Kenyan government’s commitment to infrastructure development but also serves as a platform for addressing broader national issues, blending local achievements with calls for political cohesion.
Mudavadi’s Call for Patriotism and Caution in Foreign Engagements
At the heart of Mudavadi’s speech was a strong admonition to Kenyans abroad to exercise utmost discretion in their interactions with foreign states.
He urged citizens to avoid any actions that could be perceived as sharing sensitive information or acting as informants, emphasizing that such behavior undermines national sovereignty and erodes investor confidence.
“As Kenyans, our goal is to preach peace across our region,” Mudavadi stated, highlighting the importance of demonstrating unwavering national commitment in international dealings.
Mudavadi’s message was framed as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect Kenya’s interests, particularly in light of global challenges like terrorism and geopolitical tensions.
He stressed that patriotism is not merely a sentiment but a practical duty, especially for those who have held high office and possess knowledge of sensitive state matters.
This call resonates with ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to foster stronger ties with the Kenyan diaspora while ensuring alignment with national priorities.
Response to Rigathi Gachagua’s Controversial US Remarks
Mudavadi’s warnings were directly tied to recent statements by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been on a two-month tour of the United States since June 2025.
Gachagua, impeached in October 2024 amid political fallout with President William Ruto’s administration, has used his US platforms to level sharp criticisms against the Kenyan government.
During events in Kansas City and at the Truman Presidential Library in Missouri, Gachagua claimed to possess evidence of high-level meetings between Kenyan officials and armed groups, including Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo.
He alleged potential links to terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab and accused the government of human rights violations, such as abductions, extrajudicial killings, and police brutality.
In a bold move, Gachagua offered to testify before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations as part of a proposed review of Kenya’s Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status, granted in June 2024.
This status, which enhances security cooperation and access to US defense resources, is under scrutiny following an amendment by Senator James Risch to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
Gachagua supported the probe, stating, “If the Americans want me to assist them with their investigations, I would,” and dared Kenyan authorities to arrest him upon his return. He further urged targeted sanctions against specific officials, warning that the government’s alleged dealings threaten global security and human rights.
Mudavadi vehemently rejected these allegations as “baseless, misleading, and an affront to our national unity,” describing Gachagua as a “bitter person” intent on “planting tribalism abroad.”
He questioned Gachagua’s patriotism, asking, “If indeed Rigathi is a patriot, why is he saying he wants the government of the USA to investigate the government of Kenya?”
Mudavadi dismissed claims of government collaboration with Al-Shabaab, recalling the group’s devastating attacks on Kenyan soil, such as the Garissa University massacre and the DusitD2 complex siege.
He accused the former DP of turning national security into “political theatre and revenge,” urging opposition figures to prioritize truth and unity over division.
Support from Local Leaders and Broader Political Context
Mudavadi’s sentiments were echoed by Funyula MP Dr. Oundo Mudenyo and Bunyala MP Raphael Wanjala, who called on Western Kenya residents to rally behind the government for sustained development.
They emphasized the need for unity in the region, traditionally a stronghold for opposition parties like the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), now part of the broad-based government formed after political reconciliation between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
This event occurs against the backdrop of Kenya’s evolving political landscape. The broad-based government, established to foster inclusivity post-2022 elections, has seen former rivals collaborate on national issues.
Mudavadi praised this truce, noting how Ruto and Odinga set aside differences for the greater good, and urged Busia residents to embrace similar unity to counter tribalism and support regional integration.
Implications for Kenya’s Diplomacy and National Security
Mudavadi’s address raises pertinent questions about the intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy.
By cautioning against sharing sensitive information, he aims to protect Kenya’s international standing, especially amid US Senate deliberations that could affect military aid and intelligence sharing.
Experts note that such internal rifts could deter foreign investment and complicate Kenya’s role in regional stability, including missions in Haiti and counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab.
In an increasingly interconnected world, where diaspora communities play a pivotal role, Mudavadi’s plea for mindful engagement seeks to reinforce national pride while navigating global pressures.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a key African ally to the West, balancing criticism with patriotism remains essential to maintaining sovereignty and fostering economic growth.
This incident serves as a reminder of the enduring challenges in Kenyan politics, where personal grievances can spill into international arenas, potentially impacting the nation’s diplomatic relations and internal cohesion.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum are now watching closely as Gachagua’s US tour concludes and the government’s response unfolds.
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