There is an ongoing public outrage and criticism regarding the Kenyan government's alleged issuance of passports to questionable foreign nationals, with little to no official response from authorities.
This controversy has been prominent in Kenyan media and social discussions in early 2026.
Key details from recent reports include:
Allegations that Kenyan passports were issued to individuals linked to controversial or sanctioned figures, such as associates of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader (including Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa, brother of "Hemedti"), and others like a Zimbabwean businessman with a fraud conviction (Wicknell Chivayo).
Claims suggest these passports were granted through irregular channels, possibly on direct orders from high-level offices such as State House, bypassing standard vetting and security protocols.
A leaked document reportedly lists dozens of such foreign nationals who received Kenyan citizenship documents.
Concerns raised include national security risks like facilitating money laundering, evading sanctions, or even links to terrorism/militant groups, potential damage to the Kenyan passport's international reputation (risk of being flagged by countries like the UK or US), and implications for ordinary Kenyans including visa restrictions or scrutiny abroad.
Opposition figures, lawyers (notably Advocate Wahinya Peter), and civil society have demanded transparency, including access to application records, vetting reports, and explanations for any expedited processing. They have invoked constitutional rights to information and called for investigations or even international sanctions against the government.
The perceived "silence" stems from the lack of public statements or clarifications from the Department of Immigration Services (led by Director General Evelyn Cheluget), the Ministry of Interior, or higher government officials.
This has fueled speculation, accusations of a cover-up, and intensified calls for accountability, especially amid broader corruption concerns.
This is distinct from other passport-related issues in Kenya, such as:
1. Everyday scams by fake agents promising faster processing.
2. Corruption in issuance at Nyayo House (e.g., bribery for expedited services).
3. Historical fraud cases (like fake IDs/passports syndicates busted in 2023–2025).
The current scandal seems politically charged, tying into debates over sovereignty, immigration integrity, and pre-2027 election maneuvering allegations.
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