Ruto appoints Raila as Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan

By Newsflash Reporter

President William Ruto has appointed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Special Envoy to South Sudan to mediate in the ongoing political crisis following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny.

Raila in Juba for crisis talks

Announcing the appointment on Friday, 28 March 2025, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that Raila is currently in South Sudan, engaging with key leaders to help de-escalate tensions.

“President William Ruto, who also chairs the East African Community (EAC), has requested former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be his special envoy to South Sudan. The Special Envoy is presently engaged with the escalating situation, including traveling to Juba to convey the President’s message to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Machar, as well as critical stakeholders in Juba,” said Sing’Oei.

Raila’s mission follows weeks of violent clashes between Machar’s forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) near Juba, which culminated in Machar’s house arrest on Wednesday night. The move has sparked concerns over the stability of the already fragile nation.

Regional leaders call for restraint

Machar’s detention has drawn international concern, with regional leaders and organizations urging restraint. On Thursday, President Ruto held a phone conversation with his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir, discussing the unfolding crisis.

Following their conversation, Ruto announced his decision to send a special envoy to mediate the situation. He also revealed that he had consulted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before making the move.

“Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1st Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with President Museveni and PM Abiy, I’m sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate, and brief us back,” Ruto wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

High-stakes mediation efforts

Raila’s appointment signals Kenya’s active role in fostering stability in South Sudan, given his previous experience in peace negotiations. With the situation at a critical juncture, his success in brokering a resolution will be crucial in preventing further escalation.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic efforts can restore calm or if South Sudan risks sliding into deeper conflict.