Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated that Kenya remains neutral in the ongoing conflicts in the East African region.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, dismissed claims that Nairobi is playing a conflicted role, emphasizing that the country is non-partisan.
“I would like to make it clear that Kenya is non-partisan in any of the conflicts in the region,” Mudavadi said during a meeting with Netherlands Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp.
He explained that Kenya’s expanded democratic space has made it a preferred location for different groups involved in regional conflicts to hold discussions.
“Due to our democratic space and media freedom, many groups have found Nairobi a place to communicate,” he stated.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to fostering long-term peace and security in the region, highlighting its support for ongoing peace initiatives such as the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace processes.
His remarks follow criticism directed at Nairobi for allegedly allowing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies to launch what was perceived as a parallel government in Kenya last month.
Kenya has also faced accusations of taking sides in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Mudavadi noted that Wednesday’s meeting took place against the backdrop of various conflicts across regions and a global multilateral system that, in his view, is increasingly paralyzed by inaction and power politics at the expense of peace.
“We have shared views on conflicts in our region and Europe and agreed to enhance our partnership in peacebuilding. I reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to promoting conflict prevention, resolution, and stabilization efforts both regionally and globally,” he said.
At the multilateral level, Mudavadi said Kenya and the Netherlands agreed to collaborate on advocating for increased and fair development financing for developing nations.
The two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international system, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights.
“We also noted that the current membership of Kenya and the Netherlands in the Human Rights Council presents an excellent opportunity for our countries to collaborate at the multilateral level to promote respect and protection of human rights globally,” Mudavadi stated.
Veldkamp’s visit coincides with the state visit to Kenya by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
