Kenya’s envoy Mohamed Ruwange presents credentials to Saudi Crown Prince amid recall uncertainty
Should Ruwange—who has yet to complete the standard four-year ambassadorial term—be recalled, his replacement could wait nearly a year or more to present credentials, leaving Kenya’s representation in Riyadh in limbo.
Kenya's ambassador to Riyadh, Mohamed Ruwange—recently reassigned as Consul General in Arusha in what many see as a demotion—has finally presented his credentials to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more than a year after taking up his post in the Kingdom.
At a ceremony held on Tuesday at Al-Yamamah Palace, Ruwange, dressed in a white thobe with a Kenyan flag armband, pledged to strengthen the longstanding ties between Nairobi and Riyadh.
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"Kenya and Saudi Arabia share a long-standing history of friendship, mutual respect, camaraderie and fruitful cooperation," he said.
"Our nations have worked together in various fields, including trade, investment, culture, and the fight against global challenges. I am deeply committed to building upon this strong foundation and advancing the interests and aspirations of both our peoples."
Ruwange had earlier presented copies of his credentials in February 2024 to Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Protocol Affairs.
Formal accreditation delay
The delay in his formal accreditation by the Crown Prince reflects a Saudi tradition of receiving multiple ambassadors at once, often months after they arrive.
Still, the timing is delicate.
Should Ruwange—who has yet to complete the standard four-year ambassadorial term—be recalled, his replacement could wait nearly a year or more to present credentials, leaving Kenya’s representation in Riyadh in limbo.
The situation underscores concerns over Kenya’s foreign-service reshuffle and the government’s handling of diplomatic postings amid sweeping internal reorganisation.
Ruto shake-up
In August, President William Ruto announced major changes across Kenya’s overseas missions, covering both new appointments and reassignments.
As part of this shake-up, Ruwange—who had been in Riyadh for nearly two years—was redeployed to Arusha, Tanzania.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei defended the move as a strategic shift, noting that Ruwange would help "spearhead Kenya's engagement within the East African Community."
Ambassador Joseph Musyoka Masila is expected to succeed him in Riyadh.
During his tenure in Saudi Arabia, Ruwange was active in championing the interests of Kenyan citizens, most notably advocating for Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan facing capital punishment.
The episode reflects Nairobi’s ongoing struggle to balance domestic political patronage with the need for consistency in its diplomatic service—a tension that continues to shape its increasingly politicised foreign policy.
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