US Congress Raises Concerns Over Kenya’s Ties with Sanctioned Individuals and Groups
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei promised to respond to the Daily Nation about the Congress proposal but had not done so by the time of publication
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei promised to respond to the Daily Nation about the Congress proposal but had not done so by the time of publication. Photo/ Courtesy
By Robert Mutasi
The United States Congress has expressed concerns over Kenya’s relationship with individuals and entities on the Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list, as well as foreign terrorist organizations.
A document in the US Congress notes that Kenya may be serving as a financial safe haven for individuals and entities from countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia. The document specifically mentions the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who was recently hosted by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.
Ties with Non-State Armed Groups and Violent Extremist Organizations
The Congress document also raises concerns about the relationships between the Kenyan government and key officials with non-state armed groups and violent extremist organizations, including the RSF and Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in Kenya, including the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and the 2019 Riverside Drive attack.
Sudan Accuses Kenya of Siding with RSF
President Ruto‘s decision to host the RSF in Nairobi has sparked controversy, with Sudan accusing Kenya of siding with the group. Sudan’s commander, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has twice recalled Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya, most recently in February.
Kenya’s Trade Ties with China and Other Countries
The US Congress document also raises concerns about Kenya’s trade ties with China, specifically in the roads sector. China is Kenya’s largest individual lender, with Kenya owing $5.4 billion (Sh700.9 billion) as of June 2025. The Congress document proposes that Kenya’s trade ties with China be investigated.
Additionally, the document suggests that Kenya’s relationships with Russia and Iran be investigated, citing mounting tension between the US and these two countries.
Government Response
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei promised to respond to the Daily Nation about the Congress proposal but had not done so by the time of publication.
Abductions and Security Concerns
Sources say that the spate of abductions, including that of Turkish citizens and a Briton in Nairobi, was discussed in intense talks between the US and Kenya. President Ruto has argued that there is nothing wrong with police officers wearing civilian clothes when effecting arrests.
The United States Congress has expressed concerns over Kenya’s relationship with individuals and entities on the Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list, as well as foreign terrorist organizations.
A document in the US Congress notes that Kenya may be serving as a financial safe haven for individuals and entities from countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia. The document specifically mentions the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who was recently hosted by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.
Ties with Non-State Armed Groups and Violent Extremist Organizations
The Congress document also raises concerns about the relationships between the Kenyan government and key officials with non-state armed groups and violent extremist organizations, including the RSF and Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in Kenya, including the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and the 2019 Riverside Drive attack.
Sudan Accuses Kenya of Siding with RSF
President Ruto’s decision to host the RSF in Nairobi has sparked controversy, with Sudan accusing Kenya of siding with the group. Sudan’s commander, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has twice recalled Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya, most recently in February.
Kenya’s Trade Ties with China and Other Countries
The US Congress document also raises concerns about Kenya’s trade ties with China, specifically in the roads sector. China is Kenya’s largest individual lender, with Kenya owing $5.4 billion (Sh700.9 billion) as of June 2025. The Congress document proposes that Kenya’s trade ties with China be investigated.
Additionally, the document suggests that Kenya’s relationships with Russia and Iran be investigated, citing mounting tension between the US and these two countries.
Government Response
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei promised to respond to the Daily Nation about the Congress proposal but had not done so by the time of publication.
Abductions and Security Concerns
Sources say that the spate of abductions, including that of Turkish citizens and a Briton in Nairobi, was discussed in intense talks between the US and Kenya. President Ruto has argued that there is nothing wrong with police officers wearing civilian clothes when effecting arrests.
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