President William Ruto has firmly denied claims that Kenya has entered into any agreement with the United States to host immigrants deported from America.
His remarks came amid reports that several African countries had struck deals with Washington to accept people classified as illegal migrants.
Speaking during the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ruto clarified that his government had not received such a request from the US.
He explained that while the matter had been discussed in global forums, no formal communication had reached his office.
“We have no such requests,” Ruto said in response to a question by a journalist from France 24.
“If at all such a proposal was to be made, it would have to follow the Kenyan Constitution and our national interest.”
The President stressed that Kenya would not make decisions of such magnitude without a proper legal basis.
According to him, accepting deported immigrants is not something that can be decided casually, but must be guided by law, procedure, and public consultation.
The issue came up because the US recently signed agreements with several African countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan, and most recently Uganda.
Under these deals, individuals deported from the US would be resettled in these nations.
Uganda, already home to Africa’s largest refugee population, set clear restrictions on who could be accepted.
For instance, people with criminal records and unaccompanied minors would not be allowed into the country. Additionally, Uganda insisted that most of those to be hosted should come from African nations, not other regions.
Ruto said Kenya is a country governed by laws and international obligations, but also emphasized that the nation must safeguard its sovereignty.
He noted that while Kenya has always played a leading role in supporting refugees from war-torn neighbors such as Somalia and South Sudan, it cannot simply accept external arrangements without proper negotiation.
“If we were to get a request from the US government, that has to be in line with Kenyan law,” he reiterated.
“Kenya will continue to make decisions in the best interest of its people and in accordance with international conventions to which we are a signatory.”
Observers say Ruto’s response was meant to reassure Kenyans, many of whom have raised questions about the economic and security impact of hosting deported immigrants. Kenya is already dealing with its own challenges, including unemployment, a growing population, and pressures on public services.
The US deals with some African countries have sparked heated debate. Supporters argue that the agreements bring in financial support and diplomatic favor, while critics say they shift America’s domestic problems onto fragile African economies.
Uganda’s case drew widespread attention after its government issued a statement confirming the arrangement. Civil society groups in Kampala accused the government of using desperate migrants as bargaining chips for aid.
Others, however, argued that hosting immigrants has historically strengthened Uganda’s international partnerships and brought development assistance. Ghana and Rwanda have also been mentioned in the list of countries cooperating with the US on this matter.
In all cases, the deals have generated both praise and criticism, reflecting the sensitive balance between humanitarian responsibility and national interest. Click here.
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