Kenya has firmly denied allegations that it supplied weapons used in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, following a controversial exposé by NTV and Bellingcat that linked Kenyan-labeled ammunition to the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the claims in a press briefing, asserting that Kenya’s involvement in Sudan is purely humanitarian and diplomatic. “We are only involved through IGAD-led peace initiatives. These claims are baseless and misleading,” he said.
The exposé suggested that Kenyan-marked crates were found in an RSF weapons depot near Khartoum. However, Mwaura stressed that the images used in the report were unverified and lacked official authentication. The Ministry of Defence echoed this, saying it could not recognize the crates nor the markings shown.
In a show of goodwill, Kenya revealed it had donated Ksh256 million to Sudan’s peace and humanitarian efforts. Still, the controversy has stirred diplomatic tensions, especially after Sudan’s government suspended all imports from Kenya, accusing it of siding with the RSF.
Sudan’s Acting Trade Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali issued a stern letter halting all trade through ports, airports, and land crossings. He cited Kenya’s hosting of RSF leaders in Nairobi as a breach of trust and national security.
Despite the friction, Mwaura reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to peace and even offered to host neutral negotiations between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF. He also proposed a joint peace framework under the AU and UN, modeled after South Sudan’s Ushirika plan.
Kenya now faces growing scrutiny but remains adamant about its neutral, peace-first role in regional conflicts.
By Kenyans