U.S. Senator Accuses Kenya Of Backing Sudan’s RSF

Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has accused the Kenyan government of supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), warning that such actions could facilitate genocide.

In a statement released Friday, Risch voiced serious concern over Kenya’s decision to host RSF leaders in Nairobi. The Sudanese paramilitary group, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as ‘Hemedti,’ is engaged in a violent power struggle with Sudan’s national army and is accused of committing grave atrocities across the country.

The senator’s remarks come amid rising controversy over reports that RSF operatives have been using Nairobi as a base to prepare for the establishment of a rival administration in Sudan, a move seen as escalating the country’s ongoing civil war.

Risch, who played a leading role in US congressional efforts to classify RSF-led atrocities as genocide, a designation adopted by the US government in January 2025—condemned Kenya’s involvement.

“Kenya, a longstanding US ally, is aiding the RSF in legitimizing their genocidal campaign under the pretense of peace-making,” Risch said. “This is an outrageous attempt to distort reality and will do nothing to stop the bloodshed.”

The allegations have triggered widespread condemnation from human rights groups and the Sudanese government. A coalition of 13 organizations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), has urged the Kenyan government to expel all RSF members currently in the country. In a statement issued on February 21, the coalition demanded that Kenya withdraw its support for the RSF and issue a formal apology to the Sudanese people, accusing Nairobi of bias in the peace process.

The backlash follows Kenya’s controversial decision to allow RSF leaders to meet in Nairobi, where they are reportedly planning to form a so-called “Government of Peace and Unity” to rule over territories under their control in Sudan.

Sudan’s government reacted strongly, accusing Kenya of violating its sovereignty and recalling its ambassador from Nairobi. Vice-Chair of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, condemned Kenya’s actions as hostile and provocative.

“Why is Kenya interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs and expecting no consequences?” Agar questioned in a letter addressed to President William Ruto.

In response to the mounting criticism, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, defended the country’s position. He stated that Kenya remains committed to fostering a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.

“Kenya reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they determine their future governance through inclusive dialogue,” Mudavadi said.

However, this position has sparked further debate, with critics arguing that Kenya’s actions compromise its neutrality and credibility as a mediator in the Sudanese peace process.