NAIROBI, Kenya— Kenya has absolved itself of blame in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, insisting that other forces are fueling the crisis.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, June 16, 2025, during his weekly press briefing, Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, directed an accusing finger at Egypt, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the bitter conflict in the oil-rich nation.
Mwaura said the Sudan conflict involves regional and international players.
Who is responsible for the ongoing Sudan conflict
According to Mwaura, Egypt and Iran are seen to support the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while the United Arab Emirates backs the Rapid Response Forces (RSF), mainly due to strategic interests in the Nile water, farming, and access to the Red Sea.
“So, there have been peace efforts in February 2025, the Sudan Founding Alliance, including RSF, signed the Sudan Founding Charter in Nairobi to form a peace government. A transitional charter followed in March, and RSF declared a government of peace and unity in April 2025,” Mwaura told journalists.
He added that there are regional and international dynamics on the same issue.
“There are external factors, for example, Egypt and Iran have been seen to be in support of SAF, while UOE backs RSF, driven by interests in the Nile waters, gold, agriculture and Red Sea access. So, the alleged mercenary involvement,” explained Mwaura.
Mwaura observed that the regional impact is that there are fears that the arms proliferation in Sudan might result in refugee flows and regional stability in the East African region.
“I am saying this because it is what has been questioned by the media outlet,” he added.
How NTV Kenya uncovered the arms deal
The government spokesperson’s remarks come barely hours after NTV Kenya produced a documentary titled “Brothers in Arms” that investigated a shadowy arms deal involving Kenya and Sudan.
The documentary likely exposed details about ammunition recovered in Sudan and Kenya’s involvement in the conflict there.
The documentary sparked discussion and concern regarding the arms trade and its implications.
It seems the documentary aimed to shed light on a complex situation related to arms deals and the war in Sudan.