Diaspora affairs PS Roseline Njogu with Danson Mukile in Washington DC during a diaspora engagement meeting in March 2023
By Joseph Mwangi
The ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Diaspora leader Danson Mukile has come to the defense of the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Diaspora affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu following a conversation on Twitter that trended for the better part of the last weekend.
In the twitter thread, several unsatisfied Kenyans in the diaspora faulted Njogu for what they termed as allegedly engaging “cons games” to defend certain interests. This, following a gazette notice was in circulation for the establishment of the Technical Working group by the Principal Secretary for Trade, Investment and Industry.
Coming to Njogu’s defense, Mukile, who is based in Washington D.C, USA termed the direct attack to the PS as immature and unnecessary.
In a statement, Mukile explained that the State department for Diaspora Affairs works in tandem with other government ministries, departments and agencies in a coordinated manner to address diaspora issues. The PS has been on the frontline on addressing diaspora issues since her inception in the office. She has involved her colleagues as per state department for diaspora affairs mandates.
“PS Roseline Njogu is not new o the diaspora as she’s a diaspora herself. For this reason, President William Ruto gave her the mandate to spearhead the diaspora agenda into the national development. Ms Roseline has heard the stories of her compatriots being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals who claimed to represent their interests of the diaspora and for this reason, she is working around the clock to put out strong measures to streamline the issues the diaspora faces,” Mukile said.
“Since PS Njogu took office, she has demonstrated unwavering resolve and strong sense of justice by addressing the unfair treatment for Kenyans seeking employment opportunities in the Middle East. She is determined to make a change by engaging every group/association/organization in the diaspora – more especially on the Mandates of the State department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA),” Mukile added,
Mukile said that using her intelligence, charisma, and deep understanding of the diaspora’s struggles, PS Njogu has tirelessly researched the best practices for immigrant communities, established connections with different diplomats, experts, and sought advice from diaspora organizations and groups with different niches of belonging.
Mukile added that Njogu has become a trusted advocate and source of support for her fellow Kenyans living in the Diaspora. Her selfless dedication has spread far and wide, catching the attention of foreign government officials and influential figures in the diaspora community. She has ensured whenever the president visits the diaspora; the president meets the diaspora community.
“PS Roseline Njogu has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and progress for Kenyans living abroad. She takes every step serious as she put together the plan for the department. Those who have an issue can directly reach out to her and seek clarification since she is available to respond to issues on a short notice. The department as well is open whenever there an issue from the diaspora,” Mukile noted.
“The online attacks should stop and support the PS to deliver the Diaspora Kenya Kwanza PLAN. I would dare say, PS Roseline’s legacy will forever etched in the hearts and minds of those she had touched. It’s time the whole Kenya Diaspora UNITE and support her unwavering commitment and efforts to protect her fellow Kenyans in the diaspora continue to inspire generations to come, reminding them that they too have the power to create change and build a better future for all,” he said.
