Atwoli Slams Kalonzo After Remarks On Kenyans Arrested Abroad
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), has criticised Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for reportedly protecting Kenyans caught misbehaving overseas.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 13, Atwoli accused the opposition leader of ignoring diplomatic rules controlling the conduct of foreigners, particularly Kenyans living overseas.
The COTU boss questioned Kalonzo’s decision to blame the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the terrible behavior of some Kenyans living abroad.
This comes after reports surfaced that some Kenyans were exporting their local activist behaviours to other countries, leading to arrest and even the cancellation of their travel documents.
“I am surprised that some Kenyans are now blaming the Kenyan government, while when they go to foreign countries, they do so without following the proper channels, knowing all too well that they go there with ulterior motives,” Atwoli said.
“Surprisingly, a seasoned politician like Kalonzo Musyoka, who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, turns a blind eye to diplomatic procedures and blames the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
In his remarks, Atwoli warned Kenyans who travel to other nations with ulterior motives from blaming the government and seeking sympathy from their fellow people.
He revealed that in the last six months, he has received distress calls regarding Kenyans detained for sneaking out of the country to export their activism and risk facing foreign legal ramifications.
Atwoli stated that the trade union will only advocate for the safety of Kenyan workers who follow the law while performing their tasks in foreign countries.
The COTU chief went on to tell Kenyans living abroad to register with Kenyan embassies, high commissions, consulates, and permanent missions in their various countries of residence or employment.
This is so that in the event of any challenges, emergencies, or disputes, the Kenyan government can offer timely protection, assistance, and accountability.
“As Kenya increasingly positions itself as a labour-exporting nation, it is a matter of importance that our workers abroad are properly documented and recognised through official government channels,” the COTU Sec Gen emphasised.
Atwoli Slams Kalonzo After Remarks On Kenyans Arrested Abroad
