Some survivors of Sudan’s ongoing war have filed a complaint with Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, accusing 10 figures associated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of involvement in the atrocities they say they suffered.
The 12 men and women, who say they survived torture, rape, arbitrary detention and sexual enslavement since the war broke out on April 15, 2023, want Kenya’s DPP Renson Ingonga to open investigations and pursue the eventual prosecution of the perpetrators of the war crimes.
The 196-page complaint was filed on Tuesday on behalf of the victims by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) and the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies. The DPP’s office confirmed receipt of the complaint but a spokesperson didn’t elaborate on the next steps.
According to LAW Executive Director Antonia Mulvey, the 12 men and women represent millions of Sudanese civilians who have suffered at the hands of the RSF since the start of the war, which plunged the country into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Sudan’s civil war, waged between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has seen more than 150,000 people killed across the country. About 12 million fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The war broke out after a disagreement between Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese armed forces and, and de facto leader of the military government, and his then deputy, RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as “Hemedti”. Since then, both sides have gone on to create parallel administrations while also being heavily sanctioned by the US, UK and European Union for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Addressing the media in Nairobi, Ms Mulvey explained that for Sudanese victims, filing the complaint in Kenya represents a rare and urgently needed pathway to justice at a time when accountability options remain extremely limited back at home.
The LAW boss said Sudan’s domestic justice system is inaccessible, unavailable and ineffective in dealing with the crimes suffered by the complainants.
Further, the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction is limited to Darfur region, does not investigate crimes committed in Khartoum.
According to the group, the crimes took place in and around Khartoum, including in Soba Prison, Al-Riyadh complex, and informal detention sites.
“The complainants are asking for something simple but fundamental: that their evidence is examined by a competent legal authority, and if the evidence supports it, that those responsible are held accountable,” said Ms Mulvey. “The decision now rests with Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, who will determine whether to direct the opening of an investigation and to subsequently prosecute.”
The official at the public prosecutor’s office said the DPP was out of the country and would provide guidance once back next week.
The Executive Director said it is the first time in its history that Kenya is being asked to consider investigating and prosecuting international crimes committed outside its borders under the principle of universal jurisdiction, as provided for in the International Crimes Act 2008.
However, she said, the victims are confident that the elements included in the 196 pages of the complaint will convince the DPP to open an investigation.
“The victims are asking for justice and accountability for what has happened. They have bravely chosen to file this complaint – not only for themselves, but for their families and their whole community – for the millions of civilians who have been systematically targeted.”
Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) Founder and Executive Director Antonia Mulvey with Lawyer Willis Evans Otieno address journalists in Nairobi on June 9, 2026.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation
The victims’ lawyer, Willis Otieno, said the crimes being committed in Sudan are taking place in full view of the world, and no member of the community of nations should turn a blind eye to what is going on.
He said that Kenya has the legal instruments to open investigations into the ongoing violations in Sudan with a view to dispensing justice to the victims.
“We are very positive the DPP will act on the evidence we have submitted to him by opening investigations leading to eventual prosecution of individuals responsible for the crimes. We are going to work together with all the partners involved to ensure Kenya plays its role in pursuing justice for the victims,” said Mr Otieno.
