Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has come out to explain his controversial post featuring the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of atrocities in the ongoing Sudan conflict.
The lawmaker, who also chairs the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, faced an online uproar after Kenyans unearthed screenshots of the deleted post. Nyoro had shared an image of the RSF leader in April 2023, captioning it with his popular phrase, “We are Africans and Africa is our business.”
In his defence, Nyoro clarified that the post was not an endorsement but part of an informational effort to highlight the key players in the Sudan war. He added that he had also posted a picture of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader and army commander, around the same time.
“The posts were purely for informational purposes on who the main actors in Sudan are (were) after the war broke out. Both posts were done at the same time for only that purpose,” Nyoro explained.
According to records, the RSF leader’s photo appeared on Nyoro’s timeline approximately six hours before he shared the image of General Al-Burhan. Despite his clarification, the resurfaced post has reignited online speculation, with many Kenyans questioning whether the MP was sympathizing with the RSF.
The debate comes amid renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s diplomatic stance on Sudan. President William Ruto’s administration has faced accusations of indirectly supporting the RSF, claims that have tainted Kenya’s image regionally.
However, during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Ruto dismissed the allegations, asserting that Kenya does not support either side.
“Kenya’s position is that both generals are products of an overthrown government. We do not believe one is better than the other. Our goal is to bring them to a ceasefire,” Ruto told France 24.
Ruto added that the criticism stems from Kenya’s efforts to offer a dialogue platform for both sides, not from any political bias or military support.
