Kenya defended its decision to issue passports to certain foreign nationals, including individuals linked to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying the documents were granted under exceptional humanitarian circumstances and as part of regional peace efforts.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said Kenya has previously facilitated travel for people fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries and denied allegations that passports were issued irregularly.
“This is not a new thing,” Sing’Oei said on Wednesday during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive programme. “Under exceptional circumstances, people in distress may be allowed to travel using our passports.”
His remarks came after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua earlier this week released a list of 21 people he alleged were warlords and international criminals holding Kenyan passports.
The Kenyan government rejected suggestions of wrongdoing, with Sing’Oei saying the issuance of such documents does not imply abuse of authority by immigration officials.
“Passports are not being thrown around like candy,” he said, adding that applicants must meet strict conditions tied to humanitarian distress and conflict-related displacement.
Sing’Oei said conflicts in the region, including the war in Sudan, have forced political leaders, activists and civilians to flee without valid travel documents, sometimes requiring temporary travel facilitation.
Kenya has positioned itself as a mediator in Sudan’s conflict and continues to work with regional leaders under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development framework to support peace efforts, he said.
“As Kenya, we are committed to supporting peace mediation in Sudan,” Sing’Oei said.
Kenya has long hosted refugees and asylum seekers from conflict-hit neighbouring countries, including Sudan and South Sudan.
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