Ruto has blamed both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) for prolonging Sudan’s conflict, saying the two rival groups share the same militaristic mindset and are incapable of restoring peace.
Speaking during an interview with Al Jazeera, Ruto said the crisis in Sudan is rooted in governance failures rather than security issues. He noted that both factions emerged from the overthrow of a legitimate government and continue to rely on force instead of political dialogue.
“To Sudan, I hold the position that both RSF and SAF are cut from the same cloth. They are products of an overthrow of a people’s government,” Ruto said. “These two generals have no solution for Sudan because both of them believe in solving a governance problem using military means.”
The Kenyan leader dismissed claims that Nairobi has supported or hosted RSF operatives, terming such allegations “absolutely false.” He insisted that Kenya’s democratic character makes it a hub for open dialogue but not a haven for criminal activity.
“Kenya, being a democratic country, is often accused unfairly. Sometimes people meet in Nairobi without my knowledge, because this is an open and free country,” he explained.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya remains a regional centre for freedom of expression, media independence, and peaceful dialogue. He cited the presence of numerous international media outlets, including Al Jazeera, as proof of the country’s openness. “We just deal with criminals, but people seeking civil liberties and free expression are welcome. Nairobi hosts nearly 1,000 journalists, including those from Al Jazeera,” he noted.
Addressing reports about a recent meeting allegedly involving RSF members in Kenya, Ruto clarified that it was, in fact, a civil society forum attended by religious leaders, women’s groups, and community representatives discussing Sudan’s peace process. “That was not an RSF meeting,” he said. “Similar gatherings have also taken place in Tripoli and Addis Ababa.”
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to neutrality and peace promotion across the Horn of Africa, saying the country will continue to offer a safe platform for political dialogue aimed at resolving conflicts and humanitarian crises without the use of violence.
