Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has faulted the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for rejecting President William Ruto’s nomination of Judy Kiara Nkumiri as Kenya’s Consul General to Goma.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the PS clarified that Kenya was following the laid-down procedure in appointing diplomatic officers.

He explained that once a nominee is cleared by Parliament, the next step is to seek consent from the host country before they can report to duty.

“As per diplomatic practice, once the presidential nominee receives parliamentary approval, Kenya shall seek an agreement or consent of the Democratic Republic of Congo before the Consul General reports to post,” Korir stated.

He further expressed disappointment at Kinshasa’s response, terming it premature and unnecessary.

The rejection came after reports from Kinshasa indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC had formally opposed the appointment, arguing that the move violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963.

DRC stressed that the posting of any head of a consular mission must be approved in advance and validated through an exequatur issued by the government.

“The DRC recalls that, according to international law and diplomatic procedures, the appointment of a head of a consular post requires prior agreement from the Congolese authorities and an exequatur from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the statement read.

It added that any announcement regarding the nomination of a Consul General in Goma without prior consultation was inappropriate and could not be considered valid.

At the heart of the issue is not the individual nominee but the process followed in her appointment.

By raising the objection, DRC explained the importance of observing established international law and diplomatic protocol.

A Consul General serves as the head of a consular post, with responsibilities that include representing their country’s interests, protecting the welfare of nationals abroad, and promoting trade and cooperation.

The Goma posting is seen as strategically important due to the region’s complex security and economic dynamics.

The exchange highlights the sensitivity of diplomatic appointments and the importance of procedure in maintaining relations between countries. Kenya has maintained that it remains committed to working with the DRC and will formally seek approval through the required channels.