Kenya distances itself from Congolese rebel alliance launched in Nairobi

Congolese Opposition figure Corneille Nangaa announced the formation of a new Congolese military alliance that includes rebels.

The former head of DRC's electoral commission introduced the Congo River Alliance, which reportedly includes rebels to "save the country."

In a statement released by Foreign Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Sunday, Mudavadi stated that Kenya is committed to investigating the origins of the misleading claims.

“Kenya strongly disassociates itself from any utterances or activities likely to injure the peace and security of the friendly Nation of DRC and has commenced investigation to determine the identities of the makers of the statement and the extent to which their utterances fall outside constitutionally protected speech,” read the statement.

Referring to the press reports, Mudavadi asserted that individuals claiming association with rebel groups within the DRC held a press conference in Nairobi, making statements seemingly contrary to the constitutional order of the DRC.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also made it clear that Kenya had no involvement in the meeting.

“Kenya further affirms its non-involvement in the internal affairs of DRC and commits to continue supporting the peace, security, and democratic consolidation of the country,” said the CS.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya is an open and democratic state that upholds free press, hence may not interfere with media engagements by nationals and non-nationals. 

Mudavadi's statement comes in the wake of the DRC recalling its ambassadors from Kenya and Tanzania on Saturday, December 16, 2023.