National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned Kenyan political figures against interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring East African nations, in what appeared to be a direct jab at Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Speaking in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula criticised what he termed as a growing “bad habit” of Kenyans travelling across the region to incite political tension, arguing that such conduct goes against the ideals of unity and mutual respect that the East African Community (EAC) was founded upon.
“The East African Community is not a community of flags or presidents—it is a community of the people of East Africa,” Wetang’ula stated, referencing the vision of regional founding fathers Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Milton Obote.
Wetang’ula’s comments follow a recent visit to Tanzania by Karua, Maraga, and other Kenyan activists, who attended and commented on the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The Speaker said such visits risked straining Kenya’s diplomatic ties with its EAC neighbours.
“I want to urge my fellow Kenyans who have started a bad habit of roaming all over East Africa to go and ferment trouble, to cause disaffection, and act like they know more than others,” Wetang’ula said.
In a pointed remark aimed at Karua, Wetang’ula questioned her credibility as a legal practitioner:
“You are a lawyer in Kenya. We look at your records. You’ve never had any distinction as a lawyer in this country. Then you go to Tanzania trying to show off your legal expertise—yet here, nobody even appreciates what you do.”
The Speaker warned that such actions risk creating diplomatic rifts and urged all leaders to uphold Kenya’s image abroad.
“We want peace. We want good neighbourliness with our partners in the East African Community,” he added.
Wetang’ula further urged retired justices and other respected figures to avoid actions that could foment “frosty relations” between Kenya and its neighbours, insisting that diplomacy and mutual respect should guide engagements within the region.
