Experts Slam ‘Weak-Kneed Diplomat’ Mudavadi Over Ugandan Torture Ordeal

NAIROBI, KENYA—A televised panel discussion on Citizen TV Kenya’s “Daybreak” show erupted with sharp criticism aimed at Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi over his handling of the alleged torture ordeal of Kenyan citizens Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo in Uganda.

The incident, which has dominated Kenyan front pages, highlights concerns that Kenya is facing a “diplomatic precipice”. Panelists argued that Mudavadi, whom the Standard newspaper described as the “weak need diplomat,” is facing “mounting criticism for his muted response to the growing abuse of Kenyans in neighboring countries”.

Eric Oko, a governance and security expert, stated that the greatest responsibility of any government is protecting its citizens’ lives. Oko suggested that the CS appeared “tired” and questioned whether he was genuinely “in charge of that docket,” noting the vast difference between him and his predecessor. Oko concluded that the government failed Njagi and Oyoo and that the absence of a diplomatic protest suggested government complacency with the nation described as the “tormentor of its citizens”. He suggested the two gentlemen should seek compensation from the government.

Diplomacy Questioned

Senator Dan Mans (McQueen), who joined the discussion later, revealed he had visited Uganda twice following the matter and had previously acted as Njagi’s lawyer in Kenya. Mans cast doubt on the CS’s diplomatic efforts, claiming the “so-called diplomatic protest” written by Minister Mudavadi likely “never got to president Musevani,” as the matter was decided at a much higher level.

Mans insisted that the country’s chief diplomat is the President and that effective intervention—which he credits to former President Kenyatta—was necessary to secure the men’s release. According to Mans, Mudavadi is not likely to access the highest levels to resolve such critical issues in Uganda or Tanzania; if he were to approach the President on such a serious matter, he might be sacked the same day.

Strategic Interests and Regional Insecurity

Suba Churchil, Executive Director of the Kenya National Civil Society Center, shifted blame first to the Ugandan authorities, calling them so insecure that they were scared of two civilians who were merely wearing “quasi military head gear”.

Churchil characterized the ordeal as a continuation of widespread harassment, citing the constant mistreatment of fisher folk from Busousia and those near Migingo. He argued that authorities in Uganda are taking advantage of Kenya’s strategic interests—noting that Uganda is Kenya’s greatest trading partner—to advance their own political goals, especially with elections approaching there.

“Because of those strategic um interest that Kenya has with Uganda the authorities there will want to use and abuse Kenya’s strategic interest for their own political goals,” Churchil stated, noting that there have been “thinly veiled” references to war over the Indian Ocean following the release of the two men.

Churchil cited Nigeria as an African nation very good at protecting its citizens, willing to take “very crude and harsh measures”—such as detaining foreign aircraft or rounding up foreign nationals—to negotiate from a position of advantage when citizens are mistreated. He suggested that President William Ruto ought to reach out at the head-of-state level, asking leaders not to “expose me too much”.

The Call for Caution

Offering a balancing view, lawyer Joshua Namorei acknowledged the importance of celebrating the return of Njagi and Oyoo, whom he considers friends. However, Namorei stressed the importance of practicality, urging citizens to “balance their rights with the obligations to conform to the laws and the rules of those countries”.

Namorei cautioned that the freedom, democratization, and rule of law enjoyed in Kenya are “light years ahead” of neighboring states. He warned that the streets of Kampala, Kigali, and Juba are “not as safe,” and citizens should be advised to be safe rather than expecting the same protection or exporting activism abroad.

He defended CS Mudavadi, stating that the Prime Cabinet Secretary has done “very well in terms of diplomatic relations” by engaging neighbors within the structures of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) to improve human rights standards.