'You should know better,' ministry tells Kalonzo over 'reckless' DRC remarks

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s remarks dismissing President William Ruto’s mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), terming them reckless.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said Kenya has no direct involvement in the DRC conflict beyond its interest in peace, stability, and prosperity for the country.

“We do not share borders, nor do we have any interests in the DRC other than peace and stability for its people,” the Musalia Mudavadi-led Ministry said. 

Kalonzo had last weekend criticised Ruto’s handling of the peace process, accusing him of sidelining former President Uhuru Kenyatta in his role as East African Community (EAC) peace envoy.

“When Ruto took over, his mistake was removing Uhuru as the chief mediator and refusing to facilitate him. Then everything fell apart. How can he claim to solve the DRC’s problems when he can’t even fix issues at home?” asked Kalonzo during a Saturday event in Makueni County.

The ministry dismissed his claims, saying the DRC’s issues are “historical and decades old,” dating back to the 1960s.

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It also accused Kalonzo of politicising Kenya’s involvement in the peace process, saying he should ‘know better’, having once held the minister post. 

“Kalonzo’s attempt to link President Ruto to the crisis in the DRC is not only an overstretch of his political attacks on the Head of State but also reckless—especially for a former foreign affairs minister who should understand the DRC’s dynamics better.” 

The Wiper leader previously served as Kenya’s special envoy to the DRC and played a role in brokering a coalition between former President Joseph Kabila and current President Félix Tshisekedi.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the DRC as the M23 rebel group expands its control beyond Goma into other major cities.