Malala blames Karua’s deportation on Kenya’s flawed foreign policies
Democracy for the Citizens’ Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has faulted the Kenyan government’s foreign policy approach, linking it to the recent deportation of People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua from Tanzania.
Speaking on a local media station on May 19, 2025, Malala attributed the incident as symptomatic of a deeper problem within Kenya’s diplomatic framework, which he says is in urgent need of review.
“This is a result of our perforated foreign policy. We need to review our attitude and be patriotic. We cannot be celebrating a Kenyan being harassed and denied her rights in a foreign country,” he stated.
The former Kakamega Senator accused the government of failing to protect its citizens abroad, arguing that Kenyan authorities should have acted swiftly to demand answers from their Tanzanian counterparts.
“As a government, you have a sole responsibility to protect your citizens, wherever they are. Governments don’t choose who to protect. It is your duty to stand by your people, regardless of political affiliation,” he emphasised.
Inconsistent responses
He further criticised the inconsistent responses by government officials to the matter, pointing to disjointed statements from various leaders, including Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs Parliament’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee.
“How I wish MP Nelson Koech had been patient enough to seek more information and then address national television in the authoritative manner he is doing right now. This shows how this government is reactive and not coordinated in their response,” Malala remarked.
Malala dismissed Koech’s authority to speak on the issue without proper consultation and called for a more structured and disciplined approach to foreign affairs.
“Has he sat with the committee members? Has he sought any statement about it?” Malala questioned.
“Being a chairman is an oversight role. You’re not implementing the executive function. You would have waited and, in fact, summoned the PS or the CS of foreign affairs to come to parliament and get the right information. You cannot come here and speak or articulate your personal feelings as the chair of the foreign relations committee,” he stated.
Mutual respect
Malala emphasised Karua’s right to freedom of movement within the East African Community, urging Parliament to exercise oversight and ensure that executive actions reflect the values of regional cooperation and mutual respect.
“How I wish our government could perfect the implementation of foreign policies. It was quite unfortunate for Martha Karua to be treated in that manner. She has a right to move around. Remember we exist within the East African cooperation borders and therefore it is just good enough for our sister country to treat her in a manner in which we would like to treat other dignitaries from other countries,” he said.
Citing recent controversial incidents involving foreigners, Malala questioned the consistency and integrity of Kenya’s current foreign policy framework.
“I think as a country we need to relook at the manner in which we are implementing our foreign policies and even if possible improve because we are still stuck in the past,” he said.
