Mudavadi denies Kenya under siege amid US move to review non-NATO ally status

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has maintained that the country is not under siege, despite a motion in America's Senate pushing for a review and possible revocation of Kenya’s recently acquired major non-NATO ally status.

The US Senate motion cites concerns ranging from Kenya’s expanding engagements with other superpowers to alleged extremist linkages and Beijing's deepening economic foothold.

Mudavadi said there is a concerted effort to try and create the impression that Kenya is under siege or under attack: “No, we are not!”

Whether or not under siege, Kenya finds itself navigating a delicate web of global and regional diplomacy. On one hand, there’s Washington, a strategic ally, and on the other, simmering tensions closer home with Tanzania.

At the heart of the matter is a sweeping review motion tabled by US Senate ranking member James Risch.

The proposal seeks to subject Kenya's non-NATO ally status designation to review, raising flags over Nairobi’s deepening ties with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as allegations of collaboration with extremist elements, and fears that American military and intelligence support could be misused.

“There is no challenge whatsoever and we are not downplaying the challenges that may come up from time to time,” said Mudavadi.

“But first of all, let it be on record: this is not the position of the United States government. It is a proposal coming from an individual Senator. That distinction must be made because there has been misinterpretation in some quarters.”

According to the proposal, the US Senate is demanding a comprehensive disclosure of Kenya’s defense, political, and financial dealings, particularly with China, whose Belt and Road Initiative has seen Nairobi accrue billions in debt and enter into extensive infrastructure partnerships.

“When all is said and done, Kenya is a sovereign state. Kenya will have its friends and for whatever it is worth, the principle of sovereignty must be upheld by all nations,” said Mudavadi.

“But for your information, President Ruto has not made any trips to Russia, nor has he visited Iran.”

Back in the region, another diplomatic headache is unfolding with Tanzania. Kenya’s Parliamentary Committee on Regional Integration has raised concern over what they term as unequal enforcement of East African Community (EAC) protocols, questioning why Tanzanian traders enjoy a free pass in Kenya while Kenyans are restricted to do business.

“If diplomacy fails, I will come and declare that the diplomatic channel has failed — and let us then use a different method,” said Mudavadi. “But for now, let's allow the diplomatic process to run its full course.”

But while the East African Treaty does provide for sanctions against member states that violate its provisions, enforcement mechanisms remain slow, lacking action and urgency.

“The treaty, in Article 2, states that the Summit shall consider sanctions against a country that offends the treaty. But the procedures have taken too long,” said Dr. Alice Yalla, secretary for EAC integration.

Navigating both global and regional diplomatic crosswinds, Kenya now finds itself in a balancing act—managing Washington’s strategic expectations, defending its sovereign right to engage with other superpowers, and de-escalating tensions within its immediate neighbourhood.

As foreign policy challenges mount, Nairobi insists its alliances are intact, but the diplomatic tightrope grows ever narrower.