Mudavadi Warns Kenyans Against Seeking Justice or Political Involvement Across Borders
His warning comes in the wake of recent incidents involving Kenyans who faced legal trouble across borders.
Mudavadi urged the youths to practice responsible use of social media, terming it an instrument that, if utilized positively, can enhance personal growth, employability, and global opportunities. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi warned Kenyans against crossing into neighbouring countries in search of justice or to engage in political activities, cautioning them that freedoms enjoyed in Kenya, especially the right to free expression, may not apply elsewhere.
Speaking Friday during the official opening of the three-day Kenya Software and AI Summit 2025 at Moi University’s School of Law in Eldoret, Mudavadi expressed concern over the rising trend of Kenyans travelling abroad without full understanding of legal frameworks within those countries.
“There is a growing pattern where some Kenyans leave the country without considering the legal systems of their destinations,” he said. “Many end up clashing with foreign laws. The freedoms we enjoy at home are not necessarily the same in other nations.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also cautioned young Kenyans on their digital footprints, noting that social media activity is increasingly under scrutiny by foreign embassies and governments.
“There’s this growing practice where visa applicants are vetted through their social media accounts,” he explained. “Any person with inappropriate or offensive online content might easily forfeit valuable opportunities abroad.”
Mudavadi urged the youths to practice responsible use of social media, terming it an instrument that, if utilized positively, can enhance personal growth, employability, and global opportunities. “Your online behavior reflects your character. A clean digital presence can open doors to better prospects,” he added.
His warning comes in the wake of recent incidents involving Kenyans who faced legal trouble across borders.
In one case, two Kenyans—Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo—were reportedly arrested in Uganda for joining the campaign activities of the opposition leader and presidential hopeful Bobi Wine.
In another incident, some Kenyans were arrested in Tanzania over that country’s elections and later recounted that their detention was “harsh and terrifying.”
Mudavadi said such incidents should serve as lessons, reminding Kenyans that regional laws differ and ignorance of those laws can lead to serious consequences.
He urged citizens to respect national boundaries, understand local jurisdictions before travel, and avoid actions likely to bring them into conflict with foreign authorities. “The message is simple,” he concluded. “Exercise caution, stay informed, and remember that our freedoms, as robust as they are, stop at the border.”
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