Civil society organisations have intensified calls for accountability from the Ministry of Defence and the United Nations Security Council following allegations that Kenyan-marked weapons were found in the hands of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia accused of atrocities in the ongoing conflict.

The 14 groups, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission, International Commission of Jurists, and Independent Medico-Legal Unit, say Kenya must publicly explain how the ammunition reportedly intended for its own military ended up with RSF fighters.

They argue that the matter raises serious questions about Nairobi’s role in the conflict and the broader implications for regional peace and human rights.

They are urging Parliament to summon Defence officials to provide a full and transparent statement, warning that Kenya’s silence only deepens suspicion over its alleged involvement.

“This question is of the utmost importance, given the impact such actions would have on human rights in Sudan,” the organisations stated.

The renewed demands come after a recent investigative report revealed military-grade ammunition bearing Kenyan labels stored in a facility allegedly controlled by the RSF.

The groups also referenced Kenya’s previous engagement with RSF leaders, including a red-carpet reception for the militia’s commander, General Mohammed Dagalo, as further proof of complicity.

“We urge the UN Security Council to urgently summon Kenya to respond to these serious concerns regarding its involvement in fueling the continuation of the conflict in Sudan, which runs contrary to the United Nations Security Council’s efforts and other UN mechanisms to address the conflict,” they said.

Among the other organisations that signed the joint statement are Atrocities Watch Africa, Civic Freedoms Forum, Muslims for Human Rights, Mathare Social Justice Centre, Pawa 254, Utu Wetu Trust, the Pan African Lawyers Union, and several grassroots paralegal networks from Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The Ministry of Defence has denied any link to the arms found in Sudan, stating it does not recognise the crates of ammunition said to be from Kenya.

However, the rights groups have criticised the denial as vague and unconvincing.

“The ministry did not mention if Kenya has done any exports, international transfers, or diversion of weapons, to explain otherwise the presence of the Kenya-labelled crates of ammunition found near Khartoum,” they said.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has found reasonable grounds to believe the RSF and allied militias have committed serious crimes, including rape, forced displacement, sexual slavery and the use of children in combat.