According to sources, the Kenyan opposition leader was set to depart Nairobi this morning for Juba, as part of efforts to avert an escalation of conflict in South Sudan

By Chuol Chanyong

nya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been tapped by President William Ruto as Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan, on a mission to avert an escalation of conflict in South Sudan.

According to leading Kenyan media and sources, Hon. Odinga was set to depart Nairobi first thing this (Friday) morning, as part of efforts to avert another civil war.

Earlier yesterday (on Thursday), President Ruto revealed that he had spoken to his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir on phone regarding the situation that led to the “arrest” of his deputy, Dr. Riek Machar, and that he would send an envoy to Juba to involve the parties to reduce the escalation.

Machar was placed under house arrest on Wednesday, after a convoy of security cars entered his home and removed his guards late evening, according to reports by Dr. Machar’s party, SPLM-IO.

“Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1^st vice pres. Riak Machar in South Sudan,” Ruto said in a post on his X platform.

He added: “After consultations with Pres. Museveni and PM Abiy, I’m sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try deescalate, and brief us back.”

President Kiir’s office was yet to release a statement confirming the phone conversation with Ruto as well as details about the envoy, by the time of going to press.

On Wednesday, Ruto revealed that he had a detailed phone conversation with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, where they discussed various issues, among them South Sudan situation.

“In South Sudan, I updated the Secretary of State of the current situation and the initiatives we are engaged in to encourage the government and opposition to re-engage, de-escalate violence and rededicate themselves to the search for peace,” President Ruto shared on his official Facebook page.

Tension has escalated in South Sudan in recent weeks, including deadly clashed between the national army SSPDF and armed civilians (white army) in Upper Nile State, which led to an attack on a UN helicopter that led to the deaths of a military commander and other 27 soldiers. Consequently, military bombardments in the region led to civilian casualties.

Further, political differences between the leading SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO have exacerbated the tensions.

Yoal Gatkuoth, the Executive Director for Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA), expressing his concerns on the current situation in the country, which has been characterized by tensions, social media hate speech, as well as deterioration of security, said the developments risks weakening implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

Gatkuoth appealed to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to dialogue to prevent the country from sliding to war.

He also urged the public to be response in speech, and to avoid spreading hate speech and inciting violence on various social media platforms.

“Peace represents a shared responsibility for all of us. Young people must spread the message of peace and call for their leaders to participate in dialogue,” he said.

The United Nations, United States, the United Kingdom and IGAD, among other bodies, have so far called for peace and restraint from politicians, leaders and the general public, urging for peace in the country.