Kenya Denies Supplying Arms to Sudan’s Warring Sides, Affirms Commitment to Peace
NAIROBI — Kenya has dismissed reports linking it to arms transfers fueling the war in Sudan, calling the claims “false and misleading.” Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura issued a firm denial after a foreign news outlet alleged that Nairobi was involved in backing one of the factions in the civil conflict.
In a statement released Monday, Mwaura said, “The Kenyan government is supporting the peace process in Sudan under IGAD mediation. Any other assertion is a matter of conjecture. Kenya remains a peace builder in this region.”
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti. The war has left tens of thousands dead and driven millions from their homes. Humanitarian agencies report that nearly 25 million people now face food shortages and danger from ongoing violence.
On January 7, 2025, the U.S. government declared that the RSF and its allied militias had committed acts of genocide in Darfur. This formal designation escalated international scrutiny of any country engaging with the RSF, especially those seen to be offering material support.
In response to criticism over diplomatic contact with RSF figures, Mwaura acknowledged that Kenya hosted RSF representatives in Nairobi in February. He clarified that the meeting was “part of broader diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis,” not a show of support or recognition of any parallel government.
Khartoum, the SAF-led administration, had objected to that meeting, viewing it as a move that could embolden the RSF’s bid for political legitimacy. Some international actors echoed the concern. However, Kenya defended the meeting as necessary to advance regional mediation under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
As part of its humanitarian role, Kenya pledged $2 million (about KSh 258.6 million) in aid for affected Sudanese civilians. Government officials maintain that this contribution reflects Kenya’s commitment to regional stability and the principles of sovereignty and non-interference upheld by the United Nations and African Union.
So far, no credible evidence has been presented publicly to prove Kenya’s involvement in the shipment of weapons to either side of the conflict. The government has called on the media and international observers to “respect the truth” and support efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The war in Sudan continues to strain regional diplomacy, with refugees pouring into neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia. The situation remains fluid as international actors weigh pressure against both the RSF and SAF to reach a negotiated settlement.
