Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, who was recently sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and treason, was spotted in Nairobi, Kenya. A video circulating on social media shows Kabila arriving at a hotel in the Karen neighborhood, accompanied by security personnel.
Reports indicate that Kabila met with several DRC opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon, who had previously been sentenced to forced labor. This meeting is believed to be an effort to coordinate opposition strategies ahead of the 2028 general elections, where President Félix Tshisekedi is constitutionally barred from running.
Kabila’s presence in Nairobi has raised diplomatic concerns. The DRC government has previously accused Kenya of harboring armed groups opposed to Tshisekedi’s administration, though Kenya maintains that it provides neutral ground for dialogue.
The DRC military court convicted Kabila for allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. Kabila has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. He was sentenced to death and ordered to pay $50 billion in damages.
The meeting in Nairobi has sparked renewed political tensions and highlights the fragile state of DRC politics as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
