Kenya finds itself at the heart of a growing diplomatic crisis following accusations from US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Senator Jim Risch, that the country is enabling genocide by hosting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi.

Senator Risch condemned Kenya’s decision to allow the RSF—a paramilitary group locked in a brutal civil war against Sudan’s national army—to hold a meeting in Nairobi to form a parallel government. “Last year, I led efforts in Congress to recognize RSF-led atrocities in Sudan, which have contributed to over 150,000 deaths, as genocide. In January, it became US policy,” Risch posted on X. “Now, Kenya, a US ally, is helping the RSF legitimize their genocidal rule in Sudan under the guise of peacemaking—this is an unthinkable attempt to obscure the truth and will not end the massacre.”

The RSF meeting in Nairobi sparked immediate outrage both domestically and internationally, as the paramilitary group announced plans to establish a “Government of Peace and Unity” to govern territories under their control in Sudan. The move has intensified the ongoing civil war and deepened tensions between Kenya and Sudan.

Sudan’s military-led government has condemned Kenya’s actions, accusing Nairobi of violating Sudanese sovereignty and promoting instability. In protest, Khartoum recalled its ambassador from Nairobi, labeling Kenya’s involvement an “act of hostility.”

Human rights organizations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), have joined the chorus of criticism, demanding the government declare RSF members persona non grata and apologize to the people of Sudan. A coalition of 13 human rights groups released a statement urging the Kenyan government to retract its support for the RSF and end its involvement in Sudanese peace talks, arguing Kenya cannot act as an impartial mediator.

“Kenya must immediately refrain from engaging in the peace talks or mediation process regarding the conflict in Sudan because it fails to be an impartial arbiter,” read the statement.

Despite mounting pressure, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the government’s actions, insisting Kenya remains committed to peace efforts in Sudan. “Kenya remains at the forefront of seeking solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan,” Mudavadi stated. “We reiterate our solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue.”

However, critics argue that hosting the RSF undermines Kenya’s credibility as a neutral mediator and risks further alienating international partners. The United States has issued a stern warning, signaling potential diplomatic repercussions if Kenya continues to engage with the RSF.

As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on Nairobi’s next move amid growing calls for the government to distance itself from Sudan’s internal conflict and uphold its role as a regional peacemaker.

Stay tuned to Nairobian for the latest updates on this developing story.