Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has praised Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for what he described as a calm, structured, and “technocratic” Labour Day address delivered in Vihiga County.

Taking to his official X account on Friday, May 1, 2026, hours after the event that was held at Chavakali Boys’ High School, Barasa said Mudavadi’s speech reflected disciplined leadership on economic issues.

He said Mudavadi’s approach stood out for its focus on policy substance rather than political theatrics, especially on matters touching on labour, wages, and the economy.

“That Labour Day speech in Vihiga had classic @MusaliaMudavadi written all over it: no shouting, no drama, just targeted, tactical, and surgical,” Barasa said.

“When he’s in Western and speaking on labour + economy, he usually drops the technocrat mode and goes straight to the point.”

He added that Mudavadi’s delivery reflected a leadership style rooted in calm analysis and precision, especially at a time when workers are grappling with high living costs, wage pressures, and economic uncertainty.

“That was Mwana WaHanna, that I knew,” Barasa added.

Mudavadi’s Labour Day address

Mudavadi’s Labour Day remarks focused on worker welfare, productivity, and economic stability.

During his speech, Mudavadi cautioned Kenyan youths looking for jobs in foreign countries against engaging bogus and unregistered agencies, citing security concerns.

Mudavadi said while the government is supportive of labour migration, as exemplified by its Kazi Majuu programme, some Kenyans have been duped into signing contracts only to end up in war zones as fighters.

“I would like to take this opportunity to ask our youth, when you want to go out in search of employment in various foreign countries, use the Ministry of Labour, the National Employment Agency, and the Diaspora Department. We want you to go and work in a safe environment, in a peaceful environment, and earn with your security guaranteed,” he said.

He said Kenya has lost many youths in foreign countries after some were enlisted deceptively to fight for other countries despite lacking any prior military training.

“Please use the government institutions so that we can help you to ensure that you go to a safe working environment. We have lost young people in Russia and Myanmar in the so-called golden triangle,” he said.

As of early April 2026, over 250 Kenyan citizens have been identified as having been recruited to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine, with many lured by deceptive job offers, high salaries, and promises of Russian citizenship.

Following intense public pressure, Mudavadi travelled to Moscow, where he secured an agreement with the Russian government to cease further recruitment and has initiated repatriation efforts for citizens still trapped in the warzone.