Kenya Faces International Sanctions Over War Profiteering Scandal

Kenya's third president, Mwai Kibaki, once remarked, "Leadership should improve the lives of others; it isn’t meant to cater to individual desires." Yet today, Kenya confronts serious threats of international sanctions because of increasing fears regarding rampant exploitation during conflicts. During the Second Mwai Kibaki Annual Memorial Lecture in Nairobi on April 11, 2022, voices opposing the criminalization of the Kenyan state intensified among leaders, academics, and young individuals. The 2025 Kibaki lecture series centered around the impactful leadership legacy of Kenya’s influential figurehead. In 2006, when residing in South Africa, President Kibaki asked me to lead a ministry tasked with crafting Kenya's inaugural formal Foreign Policy. My reflections here draw from comments made concerning the impact of President Kibaki's foreign policies related to development. In summary, under Kibaki, Kenya embraced a foreign policy rooted in values, principles, and a distinct vision aligned with domestic tranquility, neighborliness, and global harmony. Ideologically dedicated to building a prosperous state, Kibaki prioritized macroeconomic planning driven by national objectives rather than self-interest, aiming to stimulate economic expansion and alleviate poverty. Secondly, similar to how Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew operated, Kibaki emphasized appointing competent diplomats overseas based solely on merit, focusing on expertise and specialized abilities. Deploying unqualified personnel undermines diplomatic effectiveness. Thus, we established the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) to prepare future envoys effectively. Furthermore, Kibaki viewed foreign relations as vital tools for safeguarding national priorities without succumbing to selfish motives or external pressures. Lastly, his administration promoted a citizen-focused foreign policy reflecting local ambitions—whereby diplomacy thrived via patriotism, continental solidarity, and universal humanitarian ideals. Kibaki’s approach extended beyond mere eastward focus—it encompassed comprehensive strategies targeting Asia's dynamic economies alongside maintaining connections westwards tailored towards aligning Western partnerships with Kenya's goals. Additionally, he pursued Southern-oriented initiatives leveraging developing nations' potentials. Regrettably, since taking office in September 2022, President William Ruto reversed many aspects of Kibaki's diplomatic framework. Although rhetorically supporting Pan-African unity, his regime leaned heavily toward Western alliances, positioning themselves closely with U.S. interests across Africa. This shift proved detrimental. Following promises against Chinese engagement post-election, official collaboration between Kenya and China—a major financial contributor—halted abruptly. Similarly, pursuing American favor led Kenya astray from joining crucial multilateral organizations such as BRICS amidst expanding membership amongst key African counterparts. Presently, allegations suggest Kenya may become internationally ostracized due to suspected profit-driven activities linked to ongoing crises throughout Africa. Statements attributed to ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claim direct links between current governance and illegal trading involving conflict zones. Consequently, accusations have surfaced implicating high-ranking officials in embezzling funds intended for distributing subsidized fertilizers provided freely by Russia yet later misappropriated domestically. Such acts further tarnish Kenya's standing both regionally and globally. To restore dignity and stability, Kenya must revert back to adopting practices reminiscent of those championed during the era governed by President Kibaki—an inclusive, principled stance upholding legal standards universally recognized. Peter Kagwanja serves dual roles as chair organizing committee member responsible for annual commemorative lectures honoring past presidency contributions along with executive directorship overseeing research think tank specializing in contemporary geopolitical dynamics impacting sub-Saharan regions specifically. Syndigate.info ).