Kenya clarifies nomination of Consul-General to Goma following pushback from DRC
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi emphasized that a presidential nomination does not in itself amount to a diplomatic posting.
Kenya has moved to clarify its nomination of a Consul-General to Goma after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raised concerns over the posting.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the appointment remains subject to parliamentary approval in Nairobi and formal acceptance by Kinshasa.
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Mudavadi emphasised that a presidential nomination does not in itself amount to a diplomatic posting.
He explained that, under the Constitution of Kenya, nominees must first receive parliamentary approval before the government formally seeks agrément - acceptance - from host states.
In the case of Goma, the PCS added, the process would further require the DRC to issue an exequatur, or authorisation, before Kenya’s Consul-General can assume duties.
Mudavadi underscored that Article 132 (2) of the Constitution gives the President powers to nominate, with parliamentary approval, and appoint ambassadors, high commissioners, and consular representatives, as well as dismiss them. He said President Ruto has already submitted the nominations to the National Assembly for vetting in line with the law.
“Article 132(2) of the Constitution vests in the President the authority to nominate and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appoint ambassadors, high commissioners and consular representatives. The same Article also empowers the President to dismiss them,” said Mudavadi.
"The President of Kenya has duly submitted the applicable nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval per the Constitution and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act. This is the transparent, meticulous, and democratic process that Kenya has consistently adhered to in full conformity with our Constitution, diplomatic practice and international norms," he added.
He underscored that the realignment of Kenya’s foreign service was designed to enhance performance and service delivery under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), not to interfere in regional politics or undermine the sovereignty of the DRC.
Mudavadi revealed he had spoken with his Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to clarify Kenya’s position. Highlighting the long-standing Kenya-DRC relations since 1963,
The PCS pointed out that both nations already host each other’s missions, with Kenya inaugurating its Goma Consulate in 2022 and DRC operating one in Mombasa since 2023.
Mudavadi reiterated that Kenya remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the DRC in trade, regional integration, and peace, while continuing its role as co-chair in the ongoing joint EAC-SADC-AU peace initiatives in the country.
"Kenya remains firmly committed to the peace initiatives in the DRC, including the joint EAC-SADC-AU initiative, where we serve as co-chair."
President William Ruto on August 15 announced the redeployment of 20 senior envoys, including ambassadors, high commissioners, consuls general and deputy mission heads, to various diplomatic postings around the world.
Among these was the nomination of a Consul-General to Goma, a move that prompted swift reservations from the DRC government the following day.
Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie expressed its concerns over the nomination, citing the absence of prior consultation.
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