The United States has drawn up a strict timeline to investigate Kenya’s alleged connections to al-Shabaab and other armed groups, while reviewing its privileged status as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally.
According to the Congressional Record Vol. 171, U.S. Senator James Risch recently introduced an amendment authorizing funding for military activities, defense-related operations, and military personnel levels for the 2026 fiscal year. Once the amendment becomes law, the Secretary of State will team up with the Secretary of Defense, the Treasury Secretary, and the Director of National Intelligence to launch a comprehensive review of Kenya’s designation – granted on June 24, 2024.
Under the law, the review must begin within 90 days of enactment. A classified report containing the findings will be delivered to key congressional committees within 180 days.
Scope of the Review
The report will examine Kenya’s record as a U.S. security partner, focusing on its role in combating violent extremism, promoting peace in Sub-Saharan Africa, and contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including the ongoing deployment to Haiti. It will also assess Kenya’s importance as a U.S. economic partner.
A key part of the investigation will be Kenya’s military, security, political, and financial relationships with China, Russia, and Iran. The review will document any agreements, joint military drills, debt arrangements, or infrastructure deals made since June 2024. Washington will also scrutinize Nairobi’s participation in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other commercial ties.
The inquiry will dig into alleged links between Kenya and non-state armed groups, such as Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Somalia-based al-Shabaab. Investigators will also probe Kenya’s financial systems to determine if they provide safe havens for sanctioned individuals, foreign terrorist groups, or entities blacklisted by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Additionally, the review will determine the use of American security aid and intelligence aid by Kenya – i.e., whether these funds have been linked with civilian abuses in the form of kidnappings, torture, renditions, or extrajudicial killings.
Diplomatic Stakes
The review comes at a delicate moment in Washington-Nairobi relations. Downgrade or withdrawal of Kenya’s major non-NATO ally status would be a setback for the country’s global image and security cooperation with Washington.
President William Ruto has defended his decision to strengthen trade with China, stressing that Beijing recently scrapped tariffs on key Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, and avocados – a deal he called a “historic breakthrough” for farmers and exporters.
Gachagua’s Explosive Allegations
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a starkly different stance, openly supporting Washington’s decision to review the alliance. He argues the move is necessary to investigate alleged police brutality, abductions, torture, and killings under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While touring the United States, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto secretly met with three al-Shabaab operatives at night to discuss “business” and accused him of funding Sudan’s RSF militia. He further claimed that five chiefs abducted in Mandera in February 2025 were released in April 2025 after “negotiations” between the Kenyan government and al-Shabaab.
“The Interior CS knows much more on who the leaders of Al-Shabaab are because he said publicly that he will initiate negotiations. The five chiefs were released after successful negotiations with Al-Shabaab,” Gachagua said.
“He is in a better position to tell the people of Kenya and Americans who the Al-Shabaab leaders are because he has already had successful business with them.”
Gachagua has vowed to assist U.S. investigators in probing Kenya’s alleged dealings with both al-Shabaab and the RSF, potentially deepening the rift within Kenya’s political leadership as Washington’s review moves forward.
