Kenya has firmly denied accusations by Sudan’s military-led government that it is interfering in Sudanese internal affairs or supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, dismissing the claims as unfounded and harmful to regional stability.

In a press release issued on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, through Strategic Communication Secretary Peter Warutere, described the allegations by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) as “regrettable” and “unsubstantiated.”

“Kenya considers the continued and unsubstantiated allegations by the SAF administration to be not only regrettable but also inconsistent with the principles of good neighbourhoods and mutual respect that underpin the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union,” the statement read.

The diplomatic spat was sparked by a statement issued by Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 23, in which it accused Kenya of backing the RSF and urged the Ruto administration to respect the sovereignty of other nations.

Kenya responded by reaffirming its long-standing position on the Sudanese conflict, one grounded in neutrality, humanitarianism, and support for an inclusive, Sudanese-led peace process.

Nairobi insisted it does not condone, facilitate, or participate in the illicit arms trade and rejected any insinuation that it is aiding either side in the ongoing civil conflict.

“Kenya strongly upholds its obligations under international and regional frameworks and does not condone, facilitate, or engage in the illicit trade or smuggling of arms,” the statement noted.

Shifting blame

The Kenyan government also criticised the SAF for attempting to deflect attention from its internal failures by blaming foreign actors.

“The persistent and unfounded false claims by SAF on Kenya appear to reflect an outdated strategy of deflecting internal challenges by generating external tensions in the hope of rallying domestic support,” the statement said. “As often observed, the most difficult but necessary journey is the one within.”

The statement further urged Sudanese authorities to focus on restoring peace and civilian rule rather than projecting blame outward. It warned that such rhetoric risks deepening instability in an already volatile region..

CLARIFICATION ON RECENT ALLEGATIONS BY THE SUDAN ARMED FORCES. pic.twitter.com/8mmbw2m2FC

— Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS-MFDA) (@OfficePCS_KE) June 26, 2025

Kenya also drew attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, pointing out that more than 10 million people, roughly 20% of the population, have been displaced, while 30 million, including 16 million children, urgently need humanitarian assistance.

“The Sudanese people have endured the hardships of protracted violent conflict for far too long. They deserve peace and security anchored in inclusive national dialogue,” the statement said, adding that any meaningful process must include civil society, youth, women, and religious leaders, not just military actors.

Commitment

Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to peace in Sudan through ongoing diplomatic engagements and partnerships, including with the United Arab Emirates.

It insisted its actions are humanitarian in nature and should not be misinterpreted as interference.

“A fundamental tenet of Kenya’s foreign policy is respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states,” the statement emphasized.

As the diplomatic row escalates, Kenya called on the regional and international community not to let the Sudan conflict fade from global attention and pledged to remain actively engaged in efforts to end the war and support Sudan’s people.