Opposition leaders in a Press briefing in Meru on March 7, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Opposition leaders have launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of undermining Kenya’s sovereignty, compromising the integrity of the Kenyan passport, and abandoning citizens abroad.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued in Meru Town on Saturday morning, leaders allied to the United Alternative Government (UAG), led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, raised alarm over what they described as serious security, diplomatic and governance failures by the government.
The statement, read by Kalonzo Musyoka and endorsed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, claimed that the country’s international reputation and internal security were under threat due to alleged irregular government actions.
The opposition accused the government of facilitating the irregular issuance of Kenyan passports and identity documents to foreign nationals, including individuals allegedly linked to criminal networks and sanctioned groups.
According to the leaders, the issuance of Kenyan travel documents to individuals associated with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, faces international sanctions over alleged atrocities in Darfur, could severely damage Kenya’s global standing.
They warned that such actions risk exposing ordinary Kenyans to increased scrutiny at international borders and could complicate visa applications for travel, education and employment abroad.
The leaders also alleged that the irregular issuance of identity documents to foreigners could be part of a broader scheme to influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election through illegal voter registration.
In addition, the opposition expressed concern over claims that Kenyan youth are being recruited into foreign conflicts through deceptive recruitment networks promising lucrative employment abroad.
They alleged that some young Kenyans have been lured with promises of civilian jobs only to be deployed to fight in foreign wars, particularly in the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
According to the statement, several youths who returned to the country have given testimonies of the harsh conditions they faced after being forced into combat roles abroad.
The leaders blamed economic hardship and unemployment for making Kenyan youth vulnerable to such recruitment schemes and called for urgent investigations into the networks involved.
The opposition also criticised the government over the situation of Kenyan citizens reportedly stranded in the Middle East, saying the state has a constitutional duty to facilitate their safe return.
They claimed that some distressed Kenyans abroad had been asked to pay for their own flights home, a move they described as unacceptable and a failure by the government to protect its citizens.
The leaders urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kenyan diplomatic missions to urgently organise government-funded repatriation for all affected citizens.
In the statement, the opposition further alleged that Kenya’s reputation as a neutral regional mediator in conflicts across East Africa and the Horn of Africa had been weakened by the government’s international engagements.
They warned that continued association with individuals facing international sanctions could expose the country to diplomatic isolation and economic repercussions.
The leaders also cautioned that alleged weaknesses in immigration control and financial oversight could place Kenya at risk of scrutiny by international financial watchdogs such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potentially affecting the country’s financial system and foreign investment.
They further warned that Kenya’s international credibility could affect its status as host of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), one of only four UN headquarters globally.
To address the concerns raised, the opposition called for an immediate parliamentary inquiry into the alleged irregular issuance of passports and identity documents, as well as criminal investigations into networks recruiting Kenyan youth into foreign conflicts.
They also demanded a full public account of Kenyan citizens involved in foreign wars and the immediate government-funded repatriation of all stranded Kenyans abroad.
The leaders urged the government to reaffirm Kenya’s neutrality in international conflicts and strengthen compliance with anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
Despite the strong criticism, the opposition leaders concluded their statement by urging Kenyans to take precautions amid the ongoing heavy rains affecting several parts of the country.
They advised residents to avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas and to follow safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
