A United States-based human rights organization has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing passport controversy in Kenya, accusing Kenyan authorities of issuing identity and travel documents to individuals linked to human rights abuses in war-torn Sudan.
The Human Rights Foundation, a New York-based advocacy group, voiced its alarm through a statement posted on its official account on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the Kenyan government for allegedly granting passports to sanctioned Sudanese war financiers and individuals associated with the notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Growing International Concern
The organization warned that issuing travel documents to individuals linked to the Sudanese paramilitary group could undermine international sanctions and raise serious human rights concerns.
According to the rights group, the alleged move by Kenyan authorities could enable individuals connected to the RSF to evade international restrictions imposed over atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The statement also referenced what it described as President William Ruto’s controversial ties with the RSF, suggesting that such relationships could potentially implicate Kenyan authorities in aiding the paramilitary group.
The RSF has been widely accused by international observers and rights groups of committing grave abuses including ethnic killings, sexual violence and the financing of armed conflict in Sudan.
Passports Issued to RSF-Linked Individuals
Reports indicate that Kenya may have issued passports to more than 25 Sudanese nationals, among them Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, the younger brother of RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also widely known as Hemedti.
Both men have faced international sanctions for allegedly procuring weapons, financing the RSF and supporting operations linked to atrocities committed in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
According to reports circulating online, a leaked list from the Kenya Immigration Department suggested that several Sudanese nationals were issued or were in the process of obtaining Kenyan passports.
The documents reportedly indicate that the passports were processed between August 2024 and February 2026.
Leak Sparks Public Outrage
The leaked list also reportedly included a Zimbabwean national accused of corruption in his home country, raising further questions about the procedures followed during the issuance of the travel documents.
The revelations have sparked outrage among Kenyans who fear the scandal could damage the credibility of the Kenyan passport internationally.
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi criticized the alleged practice, claiming Kenyan passports were being issued recklessly.
“They are selling the Kenyan passports for the price of peanuts,” Mwangi said in reaction to the scandal.
Silence From Authorities
Despite growing public pressure and international scrutiny, Kenyan authorities have yet to provide a detailed explanation regarding the alleged issuance of passports to controversial foreign nationals.
The Directorate of Immigration Services under Director General Evelyn Cheluget, as well as the Ministry of Interior and National Administration led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, have not issued a comprehensive response to the claims.
Pressure Mounts on Kenyan Government
The entry of the Human Rights Foundation into the controversy is expected to increase international scrutiny on the Kenyan government as pressure mounts for transparency.
Observers say the scandal could have wider diplomatic and security implications if proven true, particularly regarding Kenya’s commitment to international sanctions and human rights accountability.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many Kenyans are demanding a full investigation into the alleged passport issuance and greater accountability from the government institutions responsible for immigration and national identification.
The situation now places Kenya under growing global attention as questions remain over how individuals linked to the Sudanese paramilitary group may have obtained Kenyan travel documents.
