Kenya has expressed “deep concern” over the prolonged delay in accrediting its envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Shem Amadi, who has been experiencing a bitter taste in the Rhumba capital since his arrival nearly a year ago.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, shared the country’s frustration with Kenyan Foreign Policy.

When asked if Nairobi had issued a demarche to Kinshasa over the delay in accrediting its ambassador, Korir declined to provide further details.

Amadi, a former Kenya Airforce colonel known for his reserved demeanor, has faced a diplomatic resistance in the mineral-rich DRC, despite being President Ruto’s top envoy.

Relations have soured, with both countries now represented only by charges d’affaires.

Kinshasa has intensified tensions by recalling its ambassador permanently, citing interference from Ruto’s administration, bringing regional diplomacy to a precarious standstill.

The diplomatic rift between Kenya and the DRC escalated significantly in December last year with the launch of the Congo River Alliance at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.

This alliance, characterised as a political-military entity, included the participation of M23 rebels and other armed groups with the aim of undermining the government in Kinshasa.

The presence of Bertrand Bisimwa, the deputy leader of the M23 rebels, in Nairobi sparked outrage in Kinshasa.

The Congolese government condemned Kenya for permitting activities involving a group designated as “terrorist” and accused Nairobi of allowing subversive actions aimed at destabilising the DRC.

Patrick  Muyaya, the spokesperson for the Congolese government, stated that such actions would not go without consequences.

He demanded an explanation from Kenya regarding its involvement in accommodating activities deemed detrimental to the stability of the DRC.

Kenyan President William Ruto said that DRC asked him to arrest the rebels but he refused.

“Our position as Kenya is that we are a democratic country. Even the media knows very well that no one asks for permission from the Kenyan government to make a statement of whatever nature.”

Sing’oei recently clarified that Nairobi decided to deport four Turkish nationals due to alleged treason charges pending against them in Turkiye.

Meanwhile, Congolese dissidents in Nairobi had advocated for a forcible regime change in Kinshasa.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a host country is not required to accept the appointment of any diplomatic envoy, a stance Kinshasa seems to be taking amid escalating tensions.