Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has criticised Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka over his remarks dismissing the Africa Forward Summit, opening a fresh political rift ahead of the high-level meeting in Nairobi.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, Mudavadi questioned Kalonzo’s position, pointing to his extensive background in diplomacy.
He defended the summit as a key platform for Kenya’s international engagement and economic interests.
“I am hard pressed to understand him; he was a diplomat, he is a diplomat; he understands all these matters,” Mudavadi said.
“He was one of the longest serving foreign ministers of this country. I am astounded that he would speak like that.”
Mudavadi said diplomacy is anchored on engagement, adding that Kalonzo had previously played a central role in advancing Kenya’s foreign policy.
“Diplomacy is about engaging, and he did it for so many years,” he said. “It is unfortunate that he would assume that this summit is of no consequence.”
Kalonzo had earlier dismissed the Africa Forward Summit as a political showpiece, raising concerns over governance and human rights.
He argued that Kenya was projecting an image that does not align with the situation on the ground.
In response, Mudavadi maintained that the summit offers Kenya an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, attract investment and enhance its global standing.
He warned that dismissing such engagements could undermine the country’s strategic interests.
The Africa Forward Summit, set to begin in Nairobi, is expected to bring together heads of state, business leaders and policy makers, with a focus on partnerships between African countries and France.
The exchange highlights widening political differences over the summit, with the government defending its significance while sections of the opposition question its timing and relevance.