The Iranian Embassy in Nairobi has strongly denied claims linking the Islamic Republic of Iran to alleged terror plots in Kenya, calling the accusations baseless and politically driven.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the embassy pushed back against recent media reports that referenced an alleged advisory from Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which warned of potential terror threats coinciding with the anniversary of the June 25 protests.
“These claims are the work of hostile elements with no grounding in reality,” the statement read. “They reflect fabricated narratives designed to undermine diplomatic relations.”
Iran emphasized that it has no operatives involved in any such activities in Kenya and reiterated its commitment to strong bilateral ties between Nairobi and Tehran.
“As a nation that has suffered deeply from terrorism, Iran has always taken a firm stance against extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda,” the embassy asserted.
The Iranian mission also warned against the dissemination of unverified intelligence reports, suggesting that such publications risk straining diplomatic relations and unnecessarily alarming the public.
This diplomatic exchange unfolds amid broader regional tensions. Iran has been locked in an intensifying conflict with Israel that erupted on June 13 and left hundreds dead before a temporary ceasefire was brokered on June 24 by international mediators, including Qatar. Each side has accused the other of aggression and expansionism.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, the June 25 demonstrations—commemorating last year’s deadly anti-tax protests—went ahead as planned. However, major cities including Nairobi witnessed violent clashes between protesters and police, with multiple reports of injuries and destruction of property.
The convergence of internal unrest and external diplomatic friction has heightened sensitivities in Kenya, prompting calls from various actors for restraint, fact-based reporting, and a renewed focus on safeguarding national stability without compromising international relations.