Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has opposed the proposed Kenya–France Defence Cooperation Agreement, warning that it raises constitutional, legal and sovereignty concerns.

In a statement issued on April 26, 2026, Muturi said the agreement as presented under the administration of President William Ruto requires immediate suspension pending full review and public participation.

Muturi stated that the Constitution of Kenya makes public participation a mandatory requirement, especially for agreements involving foreign military presence.

“Any agreement that contemplates the presence of foreign military personnel on Kenyan soil, with direct implications on land, security, and livelihoods, particularly in coastal regions, demands prior, meaningful, and verifiable consultation with affected communities. This has not been done,” he said.

Concerns over immunity and sovereignty

Muturi raised concern over reported immunity clauses in the agreement, stating they could shield foreign military personnel from Kenyan legal jurisdiction. He termed the provisions “a direct affront to our sovereignty and the rule of law,” adding that no country should concede such terms without constitutional safeguards and public consent.

He further warned against fast-tracking the agreement without parliamentary scrutiny, describing such a move as unconstitutional. “Parliament exists to safeguard the interests of the people of Kenya, not to rubber-stamp opaque executive decisions,” he said.

Muturi also urged caution, noting that several African countries are reviewing similar military arrangements due to concerns over public trust and long-term national interests. He called for adherence to constitutional procedures in handling the agreement.

Kenya–France defence pact details

The Kenya–France Defence Cooperation Agreement is set for parliamentary ratification, following its signing in October last year between Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet.

The agreement provides for military training, intelligence sharing, peacekeeping cooperation, and support in disaster response.

In March 2026, 800 French troops arrived in Mombasa aboard three warships for training and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean. The deployment is part of expanding defence cooperation between Nairobi and Paris.

The agreement is structured as a five-year renewable pact, subject to review after ten years. France has recently been repositioning its military presence in Africa following withdrawals from several West and Central African states.

Broader diplomatic context

The agreement comes as France strengthens strategic partnerships outside its traditional Francophone base. Kenya has emerged as a key partner in this shift, with increased bilateral engagements in security and defence cooperation.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to host the Africa–France Summit in Kenya next month, the first of its kind in a non-Francophone country. He has also extended an invitation to President Ruto to attend the G7 Summit in June.