Kenya Issues Clarification On Goma’s Consul-General Nominee
Following Kinshasa’s worries over the diplomatic process, the Kenyan government has moved to clarify the nomination of a new Consul-General in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi clarified President William Ruto’s recent redeployment of Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul-Generals, and Deputy Heads of Mission to 20 global postings, including Goma.
Mudavadi asserted that it was in full compliance with the Constitution and international diplomatic protocol.
“Most significantly, the presidential nomination does not in itself constitute a diplomatic posting,” Mudavadi explained.
CLARIFICATION ON THE NOMINATION OF KENYA’S CONSUL-GENERAL TO GOMA IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC). pic.twitter.com/D2GShr2rMR
— Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS-MFDA) (@OfficePCS_KE) August 18, 2025
“In line with the Constitution of Kenya, diplomatic practice and protocol, once the nominee receives parliamentary approval, Kenya shall formally request Agrément or acceptance by the applicable host states, including the DRC. In the case of Goma, the process will further require issuance of an Exequatur by the Government of DRC before Kenya’s Consul-General may assume official duties.”
The DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already opposed Nairobi’s move, citing a lack of prior consultation.
Mudavadi added that the nominations had been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration in accordance with Article 132 (2) of the Constitution and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
He stated that the ongoing reorganization of Kenya’s diplomatic service is aimed at “enhancing service delivery in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” and is not politically motivated.
“The objective is not driven by adverse geopolitics nor intended to undermine ongoing regional peace efforts or the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any state,” he said.
“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 stated that he had already spoken with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to clarify Kenya’s position.
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Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have had diplomatic relations since 1963, and Kenya established a mission in Kinshasa in 1968.
The DRC also has a consulate in Mombasa, which opened in September 2023, whereas Kenya opened its Consulate-General in Goma in March 2022.
“May I reiterate our commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. Kenya and DRC are strategic partners in several areas, including trade, regional economic integration, and security,” Mudavadi affirmed.
“The breadth of opportunities and the shared strategic interests between our two nations continue to drive our shared prosperity and lasting partnership.”
Kenya Issues Clarification On Goma’s Consul-General Nominee
