Mudavadi issues report on Kenya’s diplomatic relations with sister States
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has refuted claims suggesting a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Kenya and its neighboring countries, dismissing them as inaccurate.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, asserted that President William Ruto’s administration is dedicated to enhancing relationships with neighboring states in the region.
While accompanying President Ruto to a church service in Teso on Sunday, Mudavadi urged the media to cease what he characterized as the misrepresentation of facts regarding the connections between Kenya and its East African Community counterparts.
“Kenya is not at war with any of its neighbors. Infant, our President William Ruto is on the front line to restore peace and stability in this region,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the current political tensions in the Horn of Africa nations pose a potential threat to Kenya’s stability, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to engage in peace-building efforts in the region.
He emphasized that any disputes with neighboring countries would be addressed through diplomatic channels to ensure resolution.
“There is no problem with our neighbours in so far as Kenya is concerned and if there are any issues they are normally solved diplomatically,” Mudavadi asserted.
Mudavadi’s comments follow his recent communication with Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba.
This outreach occurred in response to the Tanzanian civil aviation authority’s decision to restrict Kenya Airways flights into Tanzania, a move reportedly linked to Kenya’s denial of authorization for cargo operations by Air Tanzania.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) reversed its decision after Kenya granted Air Tanzania the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right for all cargo services.
However, Kenya has found itself embroiled in another dispute, this time with Uganda, regarding the licensing of Kenya’s oil firm for handling fuel imports. Uganda, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has taken the matter to the East African Court of Justice, and the resolution of this dispute remains unclear.
Additionally, Nairobi faced criticism from Congo after Congolese politicians, including leaders of the M23 group critical of President Felix Tshisekedi, held a press conference in Nairobi.
The opposition leaders from Congo announced the formation of the Congo River Alliance on December 15, 2023, in a last-minute attempt to challenge Tshisekedi’s leadership, leading to tensions and displeasure from Kinshasa.