The question that comes up is this: is the Kenya government involved in the launch? And, if they are aware, then that is bad diplomacy in our engagements in the region.
So, I think there is a problem. Even as a mediator in the conflict, you need to have both parties agree to what is likely to be happening and if not, the talks should not be taking place in Nairobi.
For me, it is as simple as that, as it is going to make us look partisan and therefore look very bad in the eyes of international community.
We just had a very rough time with Raila Odinga in the African Union Commission chairperson race, which Kenya lost to Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs minister Mahamoud Youssouf at the weekend.
Those are some of the things that are making countries not to align with Kenya.
In my opinion, I think it is a major problem as far as I am concerned.
On the question of whether there are personal interests, if [President Ruto] has a mandate by Igad to mediate, then he would have an interest.
But we have no interest in what is happening in the Sudan. The only interest Kenya has is that we need peace in that country so that we can maximise on economic activities in the region.
Otherwise, I don’t see any other interests Kenya might have other than having peace in Sudan.
I remember the leadership in Sudan was uncomfortable with President Ruto as the lead mediator within the Igad framework and if he has not learned from that, then there is something I also don’t understand.
Boaz Mbaya, Former Foreign Affairs PS and
career diplomat spoke to Star
