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Once hailed as a neutral mediator in East African diplomacy, Kenya now finds itself facing criticism for what many see as a dangerous pivot. At the heart of the controversy is the country’s perceived involvement in Sudan’s ongoing civil war — a conflict that has already displaced millions and left a trail of destruction across the nation.

A Nairobi Meeting That Sparked a Firestorm

In February, an event held in Nairobi’s central business district drew significant attention — but not for the reasons one might expect. The hall, draped not in Kenya’s national colors but in the flag of Sudan, hosted leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful Sudanese paramilitary group at war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

During the gathering, the RSF and some allied civilian groups unveiled a “Sudan Founding Charter” and proposed a new transitional constitution. While this was framed as a step toward peace, it also laid the groundwork for an RSF-backed parallel government — and critics were quick to question Kenya’s role in it all.

Sudan Reacts: A Diplomatic Fallout

The backlash was swift. The SAF-led government, based in Port Sudan, condemned the meetings in no uncertain terms, calling Kenya a “rogue state” and accusing it of supporting a group responsible for alleged genocidal acts in Darfur. They even recalled their ambassador to Nairobi.

Internationally, countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia joined Sudan in expressing outrage. Kenya, however, stood by its actions. Foreign Secretary Musalia Mudavadi insisted that Nairobi was merely providing a “neutral platform” for peace discussions, in line with its historical role as a regional mediator.

But Is Kenya Still Neutral?

Analysts and political observers aren’t so sure.

“In football terms, this was a diplomatic own goal,” remarked Abdullahi Boru Halakhe, a policy expert with Refugees International. He argues that Kenya’s credibility as a peace broker has taken a hit — one that could take years to recover from.

This isn’t an isolated incident either. Just a few months earlier, Kenya clashed with the Democratic Republic of Congo over allegations that Nairobi was harboring rebel groups. Together, these events paint a picture of a foreign policy shift under President William Ruto — and not necessarily one that sits well with Kenya’s neighbors.

What’s Really Going On Behind the Scenes?

Speculation about Kenya’s motives has been rife.

Some point to a growing personal connection between President Ruto and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. Ruto hosted Hemedti during a regional tour in January, and notably, Hemedti’s brother — RSF deputy commander Abdulrahim Dagalo — joined Ruto on a state trip to South Sudan. The U.S. has sanctioned Abdulrahim for his role in war atrocities.

Others suggest economics may be at play. In January, Kenya signed a major investment deal with the United Arab Emirates — a country accused of quietly supporting the RSF, though it denies any involvement. The deal promises to double UAE investments in Kenya and includes a $1.5 billion loan Nairobi badly needs to plug its budget deficits.

Sudanese Voices: “This Isn’t Peacemaking”

For many Sudanese, Kenya’s actions are deeply troubling. Political analyst Shaza El Mahdi described the Nairobi meetings as “a branding exercise” for the RSF — one aimed at gaining legitimacy rather than achieving peace.

“This move raises red flags for us as Sudanese,” she told Al Jazeera. “It’s more about dividing the country than healing it.”

She and others argue that any legitimate peace process must involve both the RSF and the SAF — and that excluding one side only deepens the divide.

The Bigger Picture: Kenya’s Regional Role at Risk

For years, Kenya has played a crucial role in East African peace efforts, from brokering deals in Somalia to hosting key Sudanese negotiations. But as the lines blur between peacemaker and peacebreaker, that legacy is now in question.