MERU, Kenya — A group of opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government (UAG) has accused the administration of William Ruto of undermining Kenya’s sovereignty through alleged irregular issuance of passports, exploitation of youth, and failure to protect citizens abroad.
In a joint statement issued in Meru on March 7, leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Justin Muturi, and Mithika Linturi claimed the country’s passport integrity and international reputation were under threat.
The leaders alleged that Kenyan travel documents had been issued irregularly to foreign nationals, including individuals linked to armed groups and criminal networks.
Claims over passport issuance
The coalition claimed that individuals associated with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces had obtained Kenyan passports despite international sanctions against their leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
They argued that such actions risk damaging the credibility of the Kenyan passport and could subject ordinary citizens to increased scrutiny at international borders.
The statement also alleged that irregular issuance of identification documents to foreign nationals could influence future electoral processes, although the coalition did not present detailed evidence.
Concerns over the recruitment of Kenyan youth
The opposition leaders further claimed that Kenyan youth had been recruited through fraudulent job offers and later deployed to fight in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the statement, some young Kenyans allegedly returned home with accounts of being forced into combat roles after being promised civilian employment abroad.
The coalition called for investigations into networks recruiting Kenyans into foreign conflicts.
Kenyans stranded abroad
The group also accused the government of failing to adequately support citizens stranded in the Middle East during escalating tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
They claimed that some Kenyans seeking assistance to return home were asked to pay for their own tickets, which they described as a failure of the state’s duty to protect its citizens abroad.
Calls for investigations
The coalition called for an independent parliamentary inquiry into the alleged irregular issuance of passports and identity documents.
It also demanded criminal investigations into recruitment networks sending Kenyan citizens to foreign conflicts and urged the government to organise fully funded repatriation for Kenyans stranded overseas.
In addition, the leaders called for a review of Kenya’s anti-money laundering and immigration control frameworks to protect the country’s international standing.
Warning over Kenya’s global reputation
The statement warned that the allegations could expose Kenya to scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force and threaten its credibility as host of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
The opposition leaders said Kenya must maintain its reputation as a neutral mediator in regional conflicts and avoid actions that could damage its diplomatic standing.
The government had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
