KENYA : Government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has slammed Kenyans taking the country’s internal differences online and exposing Kenya's woes to the international stage.
In a Presser on Monday, January 20, 2025, Mwaura stated that it's unpatriotic of Kenyans to strip naked and potray the country in Negative light.
The Spokesperson, insisted that portraying the country negatively abroad damages Kenya’s foreign relations.
Mwaura, noted that this can as well discourage investors, whom the government is banking on to create jobs for citizens.
The Spokesperson, stated that it also risks the wellbeing of Kenyans in the Diaspora.
“While we may have internal differences, taking these disputes to the international stage is neither productive nor patriotic. Actions that portray our country negatively abroad not only damage our foreign relations but also pose risks to the welfare of Kenyans living and working overseas." Said Mwaura.
“They could also discourage potential investors whose contributions are vital for creating jobs and growing our economy,” he added.
Mwaura, called on Kenyans to instead embrace constructive dialogue to address our differences and uphold Kenya’s dignity on the global stage.
“The government appeals to all Kenyans to refrain from actions that tarnish our country's image," Mwaura said.
The spokesperson added that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to engaging with all citizens and stakeholders to resolve concerns and strengthen national unity.
He assured the international community that the country is committed to addressing any challenges that face it transparently.
“To our international friends and partners, we assure you of Kenya's dedication to addressing shared risks and challenges transparently while adhering to constitutional and international obligations. Together, we can build a stronger, more united Kenya.”
This follows a series of actions by Kenyans, including sending emails to the Dutch government requesting cancellation of the Dutch Royals visit to Kenya.
His sentiments come in the wake of heightened rebuke against Kenyans on social Media by Government officials.
Last week, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi admonished young Social media users for tarnishing the country's name before the international community.
Mudavadi took issue with Kenyans who have written to the Dutch government requesting the cancellation of a planned state visit by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima.
“Governments do not determine their invitations on the basis of social media. We did not invite the royal family through social media. There are government channels for such invitations,” said Mudavadi.
Speaking on Saturday, January 18, 2025, when he handed over the ICT ministry to the new Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo at Teleposta Towers, Mudavadi said Kenya’s partnership with the Netherlands is solid, dismissing social media reports that the Dutch government was reconsidering the visit.
“So where is this rumour coming from; that because a few people have played on social media, it has affected our relationship with the Netherlands? It is wishful thinking,” he said.
“They are strong investors in this country and we have a very good relationship,” he added.
Mudavadi said the Kenya they speak ill of is the same country that is a regional hub.
“The Kenya you vilify is the Kenya that is the media hub. All the big media houses are here. They come here because we have very reasonable freedom of expression,” he stated.
On Wednesday, the Dutch government issued a response after it received at least 300 emails from disgruntled Kenyans requesting the cancellation of the visit.
Despite receiving warnings from Kenyans on the planned visit, the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the visit will still take place.
While acknowledging the awareness of the emails and potential cases of human rights violations in Kenya, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Government Information Service (RVD), reiterated the visit would be the perfect opportunity to speak up on the issues at hand.
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands are scheduled to visit Kenya for a three-day state visit from March 18 to March 20, 2025.
According to a communiqué from the Royal House of the Netherlands, the visit is at President William Ruto's invitation and represents a watershed moment in the two countries' relationship.
This will be the Dutch monarchs' first state visit to Kenya, reflecting the two countries' strong and long-standing relationship.
According to the statement from the Dutch royal palace, the priority is to foster new partnerships and deepen existing collaboration in areas such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and climate action.
The Netherlands and Kenya have a unique relationship as key economic hubs, serving as gateways to large regions of Europe and Africa, respectively.
Trade and investment are expected to take centre stage during the visit, with economic missions focussing on sustainable agriculture and water running alongside royal engagements.
Aside from economic ties, the two countries have a long history of collaboration in global forums, including the United Nations, where they promote shared values like democracy, the rule of law, and judicial independence.
Kenya’s growing influence on the international stage adds significance to the visit. The two countries have actively worked together on pressing global issues, including peace and security, food security, and combating climate change.
The royal visit is expected to strengthen these ties and highlight Kenya's role as a strategic partner for the Netherlands in addressing global challenges.