Mudavadi clarifies Kenya’s position after DRC rejected Ruto’s nominee
By Steve Ireri, August 18, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has clarified Kenya’s position following the Democratic Republic of Congo’s rejection of President William Ruto’s nomination of Judy Kiara Nkumiri as Consul-General to Goma.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, Mudavadi emphasised that the presidential nomination of diplomatic and consular officials is only the first step in a constitutional and internationally recognised process.
He noted that the nomination does not automatically constitute a diplomatic posting and must be followed by parliamentary approval and formal acceptance by the host country, known as Agrément.
For Goma, this process also requires an exequatur or official authorisation by the government of the DRC before the consul general can assume duties.
“The presidential nomination is in line with Article 132(2) of the Constitution, which vests in the President the authority to nominate and, with parliamentary approval, appoint ambassadors, high commissioners, and consular representatives,” Mudavadi said, stressing that Kenya has consistently adhered to transparent and democratic procedures.
While the DRC had expressed concerns over the appointment, citing the absence of prior consultation and the security situation in eastern DRC, Mudavadi described the rejection as noted but underscored that Kenya remains committed to diplomatic norms and mutual respect.
“Our recent realignment of Kenya’s Foreign Service is aimed at optimising performance and enhancing service delivery under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. It is not driven by adverse geopolitics nor intended to undermine ongoing peace efforts,” he said, highlighting Kenya’s continued support for regional peace initiatives, including the joint EAC-SADC-AU efforts.
Touching on the rejection by Kinshasa, Mudavadi confirmed that he had already held a direct conversation with his DRC counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to provide clarification and ensure that the matter is addressed within proper diplomatic channels.
“Furthermore, I have since had a conversation with my DRC counterpart, H.E. Ms. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, to make this clarification as well.”
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, stressing that both countries are strategic partners in trade, regional economic integration, and security.
He noted that Kenya remains firmly invested in peace initiatives in eastern Congo, co-chairing the ongoing joint EAC-SADC-AU process, and underlined that Nairobi values the breadth of opportunities and shared strategic interests binding the two nations.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to the peace initiatives in the DRC, including the joint EAC-SADC-AU initiative, where we serve as co-chair.”
Mudavadi added that the realignment of Kenya’s Foreign Service was aimed purely at enhancing service delivery under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, and was not influenced by adverse geopolitics nor designed to undermine peace efforts in the region.
He reiterated that the long-standing diplomatic ties between Kenya and DRC, which date back to 1963, will continue to underpin a partnership built on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
“The objective of the recent re-alignment in Kenya’s Foreign Service is to optimise performance and enhance service delivery in line with our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It is not driven by adverse geopolitics nor intended to undermine ongoing regional peace efforts or the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any state,” he wrote.