Social Media Roasts Mudavadi Over Condolences to U.S. Flood Victims Amid Silence on Kenyan Protest Deaths
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has come under fire after he sent condolences to the US over Texas floods while remaining silent on the recent deaths of Kenyan protesters.
The backlash started on social media after Mudavadi posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing sympathy to Americans affected by floods that have killed at least 105 people and left over 160 missing in Texas. The disaster was caused by heavy rains that led the Guadalupe River to overflow and swept through residential areas and summer camps.
“I extend my condolences to the families, friends and the people of the United States who have been affected by the floods in Texas,” Mudavadi wrote, adding his support to those grieving and searching for loved ones.
But many Kenyans interpreted the gesture as double standards, pointing out that Mudavadi had not made any public statement on the death of at least 31 Kenyan citizens during the recent anti-police brutality protests.
Domestic Anger Over Silence on Protest Deaths
The protests, which culminated in the Saba Saba demonstrations on July 7, were largely youth-led and called for police accountability and political reforms. Rights groups reported excessive use of force by security agencies resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Mudavadi’s silence on the matter drew fierce reactions online with many accusing him of ignoring local tragedies while seeking to project empathy abroad.
“You can’t find room to mourn the over 30 young lives lost right here at home, under your own watch and the regime you so loyally serve,” posted @Banks_Banksg.
“Does it mean you’re not aware 31 Kenyans were killed by police on Monday?” asked @ElvisChweya. “The audacity of extending condolences to Texans is ridiculous, dude.”
Critics argue that Mudavadi’s actions show a disconnect between Kenya’s leadership and its citizens especially in times of national mourning. The online backlash has reignited conversations about government accountability with some questioning the sincerity of diplomatic gestures that seem to neglect domestic crises.
There has been no response from Mudavadi’s office on the criticism or his position on the protest deaths.Now that the public is demanding justice and recognition for Saba Saba victims, the question is will top government officials including Mudavadi address the issue or take steps towards accountability and police reform.
The debate will heat up ahead of the next protests as human rights groups are calling for transparent investigations and public statements from leadership to the victims’ families.
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Social Media Roasts Mudavadi Over Condolences to U.S. Flood Victims Amid Silence on Kenyan Protest Deaths