Mudavadi Warns: Criticizing President on Social Media Could Cost You Visa

NAIROBI – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned Kenyans that their social media activity could come back to haunt them when applying for visas, revealing that foreign governments scrutinize online behavior before granting travel documents.

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Speaking at a youth empowerment forum in Nairobi on Tuesday, Mudavadi warned that those who post disparaging comments about the president or government officials risk having their visa applications denied.

“Foreign governments review social media activity during visa applications,” Mudavadi told the gathering, urging Kenyans to exercise caution in their online engagements.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary stressed the need for digital responsibility and integrity, arguing that reckless social media behavior could hinder both personal and professional opportunities for young Kenyans seeking to travel abroad.

“It is important to maintain digital responsibility to avoid closing doors on your future,” he said, calling on the youth to be mindful of their online footprint.

However, the remarks quickly sparked a firestorm on X (formerly Twitter), with users accusing government officials of attempting to suppress free speech under the guise of offering career advice.

Critics seized on what they described as hypocrisy, questioning why officials were more concerned about social media criticism than addressing the governance issues that provoke such commentary in the first place.

“So instead of fixing the problems that make citizens angry, they want us to stay quiet about them?” one user posted, capturing the sentiment of many who saw Mudavadi’s warning as an attempt at intimidation.

Others pointed out that freedom of expression is a constitutional right in Kenya, and that warning citizens against criticizing their leaders contradicts democratic principles.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between government officials and increasingly vocal Kenyan social media users, who have used digital platforms to hold leaders accountable and express dissatisfaction with governance.

As of press time, Mudavadi had not responded to the backlash, and it remains unclear whether his warning reflects official policy or personal advice to young Kenyans navigating the digital age.

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