Gachagua warned that Kenya risks international isolation over its alleged harbouring of individuals and entities under US sanctions, some of whom have suspected links to extremist groups.
“We warned you about Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and Al-Shabaab. We asked you to keep international criminals and foreign terrorist organisations out of Kenya,” Gachagua said in a statement on Tuesday.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a past event / FILE
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the government following a decision by the US Congress to initiate a high-level review of Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally.
The review is part of Bill sponsored by U.S. Senator James Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, aimed at reassessing the status granted to Kenya in June 2024.
Gachagua warned that Kenya risks international isolation over its alleged harbouring of individuals and entities under US sanctions, some of whom have suspected links to extremist groups.
“We warned you about Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and Al-Shabaab. We asked you to keep international criminals and foreign terrorist organisations out of Kenya,” Gachagua said in a statement on Tuesday.
He accused the government of turning Kenya into a financial safe haven for individuals listed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and faulted Kenya’s decision to host meetings involving Sudan’s rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) earlier this year.
Those meetings, held in Nairobi, led to the announcement of a parallel government—prompting condemnation from Khartoum, which said Kenya had violated Sudan’s sovereignty and principles of non-interference.
Gachagua also raised concerns over the misuse of intelligence and military assistance provided by the United States, warning that it may be enabling serious violations of human rights.
“There is growing concern that the Government of Kenya is using U.S. security support to abduct, torture, and commit violence against civilians,” he claimed.
He cited a rise in reports of forced disappearances, illegal detentions, and police brutality under the current regime, accusing security agencies of excessive force and abuse of power.
“The Kenyan people have called for an end to extrajudicial killings, state-sponsored militia, abductions, and widespread human rights violations,” he added.
The U.S. is said to be closely monitoring Kenya’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and its human rights record—key pillars in the strategic military partnership.
Gachagua also called on Kenyans living in the United States to engage with their elected leaders and provide firsthand accounts of the situation back home.
“I urge Kenyans in the diaspora to speak up—reach out to your senators and share the truth about what’s happening in our beloved nation,” he said.
He warned that failure to address the growing concerns could jeopardize Kenya’s critical strategic partnerships with the United States and the broader international community.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a past event / FILE
